Membrane removing instrument

ABSTRACT

A membrane removing instrument may include one or more abrasive surfaces configured to raise a portion of a membrane. A surgeon may raise a portion of a membrane by grazing the portion of the membrane with one or more abrasive surfaces of a membrane removing instrument. The surgeon may grasp the raised portion of the membrane with a first forceps jaw distal end and a second forceps jaw distal end. The surgeon may then remove the membrane by peeling the membrane apart from an underlying tissue.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No.14/929,595, filed on Nov. 2, 2015, which is a continuation of priorapplication Ser. No. 13/797,857, filed Mar. 12, 2013, which issued asU.S. Pat. No. 9,204,995 on Dec. 8, 2015.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a surgical instrument, and, moreparticularly, to a microsurgical forceps.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A microsurgical forceps may be used to perform a microsurgicalprocedure, e.g., an ophthalmic surgical procedure. For example, asurgeon may use a forceps to grasp and manipulate tissues or othersurgical instruments to perform portions of a surgical procedure. Aparticular microsurgical procedure may require a surgeon to separate afirst tissue from a second tissue without causing trauma to at least oneof the tissues. Such a separation procedure may be particularlydifficult for a surgeon to perform if the tissue surface geometry is notflat, e.g., if the tissue surface geometry is convex. For example, anophthalmic surgeon may be required to remove an internal limitingmembrane from a patient's retina without causing trauma to the patient'sretina. Accordingly, there is a need for a microsurgical forceps thatenables a surgeon to separate a first tissue from a second tissuewithout causing significant trauma to at least one of the tissues.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Illustratively, a membrane removing forceps may comprise a first forcepsjaw having a first forceps jaw distal end and a first forceps jawproximal end and a second forceps jaw having a second forceps jaw distalend and a second forceps jaw proximal end. In one or more embodiments, amembrane removing forceps may comprise one or more abrasive surfacesconfigured to raise a portion of a membrane. Illustratively, a surgeonmay raise a portion of a membrane by grazing the portion of the membranewith one or more abrasive surfaces of a membrane removing forceps. Inone or more embodiments, the surgeon may grasp the raised portion of themembrane with the first forceps jaw distal end and the second forcepsjaw distal end. Illustratively, the surgeon may then remove the membraneby peeling the membrane apart from an underlying tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and further advantages of the present invention may be betterunderstood by referring to the following description in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicateidentical or functionally similar elements:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exploded view of asurgical instrument assembly;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams illustrating an assembledsurgical instrument;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams illustrating a membrane removingforceps;

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, and 4F are schematic diagrams illustrating agradual closing of a membrane removing forceps;

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, and 5F are schematic diagrams illustrating agradual opening of a membrane removing forceps;

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E are schematic diagrams illustrating amembrane removal;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams illustrating a blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps;

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, and 8F are schematic diagrams illustrating agradual closing of a blunt-tip membrane removing forceps;

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, and 9F are schematic diagrams illustrating agradual opening of a blunt-tip membrane removing forceps;

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E are schematic diagrams illustrating amembrane removal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exploded view of asurgical instrument assembly 100. In one or more embodiments, surgicalinstrument assembly 100 may comprise a nosecone 105 having a noseconedistal end 106 and a nosecone proximal end 107; one or more links 108;one or more link pins 109; one or more spacers 104; a handle 110 havinga handle distal end 111 and a handle proximal end 112; a front plug 115;a distal O-ring 116; a proximal O-ring 117; a housing sleeve 120 havinga housing sleeve distal end 121 and a housing sleeve proximal end 122;an actuation facilitating sleeve 130 having an actuation facilitatingsleeve distal end 131 and an actuation facilitating sleeve proximal end132; an inner hypodermic tube 140 having an inner hypodermic tube distalend 141 and an inner hypodermic tube proximal end 142; a piston tube 150having a piston tube distal end 151 and a piston tube proximal end 152;an end plug 160 having an end plug distal end 161 and an end plugproximal end 162; a fixation mechanism 165; an outer hypodermic tube 170having an outer hypodermic tube distal end 171 and an outer hypodermictube proximal end 172; and a surgical blank 180 having a surgical blankdistal end 181 and a surgical blank proximal end 182.

Illustratively, outer hypodermic tube 170 may be fixed to nosecone 105,e.g., outer hypodermic tube proximal end 172 may be fixed to noseconedistal end 106. In one or more embodiments, one or more links 108 andone or more link pins 109 may be configured to connect nosecone 105 andhandle 110, e.g., a portion of nosecone 105 may be disposed withinhandle 110. Illustratively, nosecone 105 may be connected to one or morelinks 108, e.g., one or more link pins 109 may be disposed within bothnosecone 105 and one or more links 108. In one or more embodiments,handle 110 may be connected to one or more links 108, e.g., one or morelink pins 109 may be disposed within both handle 110 and one or morelinks 108. Illustratively, at least one link 108 may be connected toboth nosecone 105 and handle 110, e.g., by one or more link pins 109.

In one or more embodiments, inner hypodermic tube 140 may be at leastpartially disposed within piston tube 150, e.g., inner hypodermic tubeproximal end 142 may be disposed within piston tube 150. Illustratively,inner hypodermic tube 140 and piston tube 150 may be at least partiallydisposed within actuation facilitating sleeve 130. In one or moreembodiments, actuation facilitating sleeve 130 and piston tube 150 maybe disposed within housing sleeve 120. Illustratively, inner hypodermictube 140 may be at least partially disposed within housing sleeve 120,e.g., inner hypodermic tube distal end 141 may extend a distance fromhousing sleeve distal end 121.

In one or more embodiments, distal O-ring 116 may be disposed over aportion of front plug 115. Illustratively, distal O-ring 116 may bedisposed within housing sleeve 120 and actuation facilitating sleeve130. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of front plug 115may be disposed within housing sleeve 120 and actuation facilitatingsleeve 130, e.g., housing sleeve distal end 121 and actuationfacilitating sleeve distal end 131 may be disposed over a portion offront plug 115. Illustratively, proximal O-ring 117 may be disposed overa portion of end plug 160. In one or more embodiments, proximal O-ring117 may be disposed within housing sleeve 120 and actuation facilitatingsleeve 130. Illustratively, at least a portion of end plug 160 may bedisposed within housing sleeve 120 and actuation facilitating sleeve130, e.g., housing sleeve proximal end 122 and actuation facilitatingsleeve proximal end 132 may be disposed over a portion of end plug 160.

In one or more embodiments, front plug 115, distal O-ring 116, housingsleeve 120, actuation facilitating sleeve 130, piston tube 150, innerhypodermic tube 140, proximal O-ring 117, and end plug 160 may bedisposed within handle 110. For example, end plug 160 may be disposedwithin handle 110 wherein end plug proximal end 162 may be adjacent tohandle proximal end 112. Illustratively, inner hypodermic tube 140 maybe fixed to nosecone 105, e.g., inner hypodermic tube distal end 141 maybe fixed to nosecone proximal end 107.

In one or more embodiments, surgical blank 180 may be disposed withinouter hypodermic tube 170, nosecone 105, inner hypodermic tube 140,piston tube 150, and end plug 160. Illustratively, fixation mechanism165 may be configured to fix surgical blank 180 in a position relativeto handle 110. For example, fixation mechanism 165 may comprise asetscrew configured to fix surgical blank 180 in a position relative tohandle 110. In one or more embodiments, fixation mechanism 165 maycomprise an adhesive material configured to fix surgical blank 180 in aposition relative to handle 110. Illustratively, fixation mechanism 165may comprise any suitable means of fixing surgical blank 180 in aposition relative to handle 110.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams illustrating an assembledsurgical instrument 200. FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of an assembledsurgical instrument 200. In one or more embodiments, housing sleeve 120may be disposed within handle 110. Illustratively, actuationfacilitating sleeve 130 may be disposed within housing sleeve 120. Inone or more embodiments, piston tube 150 may be disposed withinactuation facilitating sleeve 130. Illustratively, a portion of innerhypodermic tube 140 may be disposed within piston tube 150, e.g., innerhypodermic tube proximal end 142 may be disposed within piston tube 150.In one or more embodiments, a portion of inner hypodermic tube 140 maybe fixed to an inner portion of piston tube 150, e.g., by abiocompatible adhesive. For example, an actuation of inner hypodermictube 140 relative to handle 110 may be configured to actuate piston tube150 relative to handle 110 and an actuation of piston tube 150 relativeto handle 110 may be configured to actuate inner hypodermic tube 140relative to handle 110.

Illustratively, handle 110 may comprise a spring return aperture 210. Inone or more embodiments, spring return aperture 210 may comprise one ormore hinges 215. Illustratively, spring return aperture 210 may beconfigured to separate a first portion of handle 110 and a secondportion of handle 110. In one or more embodiments, spring returnaperture 210 may be configured to separate a particular point on thefirst portion of handle 110 from a particular point on the secondportion of handle 110 at a first distance. Illustratively, anapplication of a compressive force to a portion of handle 110 may beconfigured to separate the particular point on the first portion ofhandle 110 from the particular point on the second portion of handle 110at a second distance. In one or more embodiments, the first distance maybe greater than the second distance.

Illustratively, handle 110 may comprise one or more surgical grip points220. In one or more embodiments, one or more surgical grip points 220may be configured to prevent undesirable movements of handle 110, e.g.,during a surgical procedure. Illustratively, one or more surgical grippoints 220 may be configured to interface with a surgeon's fingertips.In one or more embodiments, one or more surgical grip points 220 may beconfigured to increase a total contact area between a surgeon'sfingertips and handle 110. Illustratively, one or more surgical grippoints 220 may be configured to facilitate an application of acompressive force to handle 110, e.g., by increasing a coefficient offriction between a surgeon's fingertips and handle 110 as the surgeonapplies a compressive force to handle 110. Handle 110 may bemanufactured from any suitable material, e.g., polymers, metals, metalalloys, etc., or from any combination of suitable materials.

In one or more embodiments, handle 110 may comprise one or more handlelink pin housings 230. Illustratively, handle link pin housing 230 maybe configured to house link pin 109. In one or more embodiments,nosecone 105 may comprise one or more nosecone link pin housings 235.Illustratively, nosecone link pin housing 235 may be configured to houselink pin 109. In one or more embodiments, at least one link pin 109 maybe configured to connect nosecone 105 to link 108, e.g., link pin 109may be disposed within both nosecone link pin housing 235 and link 108.Illustratively, at least one link pin 109 may be configured to connecthandle 110 and link 108, e.g., link pin 109 may be disposed within bothhandle link pin housing 230 and link 108. In one or more embodiments, atleast one link 108 may be connected to both nosecone 105 and handle 110,e.g., at least one link pin 109 may be disposed within both noseconelink pin housing 235 and link 108 and at least one link pin 109 may bedisposed within both handle link pin housing 230 and link 108.

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an assembled surgicalinstrument 200. In one or more embodiments, nosecone 105 may comprise anosecone inner bore 205. Illustratively, inner hypodermic tube distalend 141 may be fixed within nosecone inner bore 205, e.g., by a machinepress fit, a biocompatible adhesive, etc. In one or more embodiments,outer nosecone proximal end 172 may be fixed within nosecone inner bore205, e.g., by a machine press fit, a biocompatible adhesive, etc.

Illustratively, end plug 160 may comprise a surgical blank housing 240,an end plug inner bore 250, an interface taper 260, and a fixationmechanism housing 270. In one or more embodiments, end plug inner bore250 may comprise an end plug inner bore distal cone 251 and an end pluginner bore proximal chamber 252. Illustratively, interface taper 260 maybe configured to interface with one or more components, e.g., to provideone or more surgical utilities. In one or more embodiments, interfacetaper 260 may comprise a Luer taper. End plug 160 may be manufacturedfrom any suitable material, e.g., polymers, metals, metal alloys, etc.,or from any combination of suitable materials.

Illustratively, surgical blank 180 may be disposed within outerhypodermic tube 170, nosecone inner bore 205, inner hypodermic tube 140,piston tube 150, actuation facilitating sleeve 130, surgical blankhousing 240, and fixation mechanism housing 270. In one or moreembodiments, fixation mechanism 165 may be configured to fix surgicalblank 180 in a position relative to handle 110, e.g., at fixationmechanism housing 270. For example, fixation mechanism 165 may bedisposed within fixation mechanism housing 270, e.g., to fix surgicalblank 180 in a position relative to handle 110.

Illustratively, surgical blank 180 may modified to provide a one or moresurgical utilities, e.g., surgical blank distal end 181 may be modifiedto provide one or more particular surgical utilities of a plurality ofsurgical utilities. In one or more embodiments, surgical blank 180 maybe modified wherein surgical blank 180 may comprise a surgical forceps,e.g., with a grasping utility. Illustratively, surgical blank 180 may bemodified wherein surgical blank 180 may comprise a surgical scissors,e.g., with a cutting utility. In one or more embodiments, surgical blank180 may be modified wherein surgical blank 180 may comprise a surgicalmanipulator, e.g., with a manipulation utility. Illustratively, surgicalblank 180 may be modified wherein surgical blank 180 may comprise asurgical hook, e.g., with a hook utility. In one or more embodiments,surgical blank 180 may be modified wherein surgical blank 180 maycomprise a surgical chopper, e.g. with a chopping utility.Illustratively, surgical blank 180 may be modified wherein surgicalblank 180 may comprise a surgical pre-chopper, e.g., with a pre-choppingutility. In one or more embodiments, surgical blank 180 may be modifiedwherein surgical blank 180 may comprise a surgical pick, e.g., with apick utility. Illustratively, surgical blank 180 may be modified tocomprise any surgical instrument with any surgical utility as will beappreciated by one having ordinary skill in the relevant technologicalart. Surgical blank 180 may be manufactured from any suitable material,e.g., polymers, metals, metal alloys, etc., or from any combination ofsuitable materials.

In one or more embodiments, handle 110 may be compressed, e.g., by anapplication of a compressive force to handle 110. For example, a surgeonmay compress handle 110 by gently squeezing handle 110, e.g., at one ormore surgical grip points 220. Illustratively, a compression of handle110 may be configured to actuate nosecone 105 relative to handleproximal end 112. Illustratively, a compression of handle 110 may beconfigured to extend nosecone 105 relative to handle proximal end 112.

In one or more embodiments, a compression of handle 110 may beconfigured to extend one or more links 108 connected to nosecone 105,e.g., by one or more link pins 109, away from handle proximal end 112.Illustratively, a compression of handle 110 may be configured togradually project nosecone 105 relative to handle proximal end 112. Inone or more embodiments, a compression of handle 110 may be configuredto gradually actuate outer hypodermic tube 170 relative to handleproximal end 112. For example, a compression of handle 110 may beconfigured to gradually extend outer hypodermic tube 170 relative tohandle proximal end 112. Illustratively, a compression of handle 110 maybe configured to gradually actuate outer hypodermic tube 170 relative tosurgical blank 180. For example, a compression of handle 110 may beconfigured to gradually extend outer hypodermic tube 170 relative tosurgical blank 180.

In one or more embodiments, a compression of handle 110 may beconfigured to actuate inner hypodermic tube 140 relative to handle 110.Illustratively, a compression of handle 110 may be configured to extendinner hypodermic tube 140 relative to handle proximal end 112. In one ormore embodiments, a compression of handle 110 may be configured toactuate piston tube 150 relative to handle 110. Illustratively, acompression of handle 110 may be configured to extend piston tube 150relative to handle proximal end 112.

In one or more embodiments, handle 110 may be decompressed, e.g., byreducing a magnitude of a compressive force applied to handle 110. Forexample, a surgeon may decompress handle 110 by decreasing an amount ofcompressive force applied to handle 110, e.g., at one or more surgicalgrip points 220. Illustratively, a decompression of handle 110 may beconfigured to actuate nosecone 105 relative to handle proximal end 112.Illustratively, a decompression of handle 110 may be configured toretract nosecone 105 relative to handle proximal end 112.

In one or more embodiments, a decompression of handle 110 may beconfigured to retract one or more links 108 connected to nosecone 105,e.g., by one or more link pins 109, towards handle proximal end 112.Illustratively, a decompression of handle 110 may be configured togradually retract nosecone 105 relative to handle proximal end 112. Inone or more embodiments, a decompression of handle 110 may be configuredto gradually actuate outer hypodermic tube 170 relative to handleproximal end 112. For example, a decompression of handle 110 may beconfigured to gradually retract outer hypodermic tube 170 relative tohandle proximal end 112. Illustratively, a decompression of handle 110may be configured to gradually actuate outer hypodermic tube 170relative to surgical blank 180. For example, a decompression of handle110 may be configured to gradually retract outer hypodermic tube 170relative to surgical blank 180.

In one or more embodiments, a decompression of handle 110 may beconfigured to actuate inner hypodermic tube 140 relative to handle 110.Illustratively, a decompression of handle 110 may be configured toretract inner hypodermic tube 140 relative to handle proximal end 112.In one or more embodiments, a decompression of handle 110 may beconfigured to actuate piston tube 150 relative to handle 110.Illustratively, a decompression of handle 110 may be configured toretract piston tube 150 relative to handle proximal end 112.

In one or more embodiments, actuation facilitating sleeve 130 and pistontube 150 may be configured to minimize a coefficient of friction betweenactuation facilitating sleeve 130 and piston tube 150. Illustratively,actuation facilitating sleeve 130 and piston tube 150 may bemanufactured from one or more materials configured to minimize afriction force, e.g., when piston tube 150 is actuated relative tohandle 110. For example, actuation facilitation sleeve 130 and pistontube 150 may be manufactured from one or more materials configured tominimize a friction force, e.g., when piston tube 150 is acs tuatedrelative to actuation facilitating sleeve 130. In one or moreembodiments, at least an inner portion of actuation facilitating sleeve130 may comprise a non-crystalline material, e.g., glass.Illustratively, at least an outer portion of piston tube 150 maycomprise carbon or a carbon allotrope, e.g., graphite. In one or moreembodiments, at least an inner portion of actuation facilitating sleeve130 may comprise a carbon or a carbon allotrope, e.g., graphite.Illustratively, at least an outer portion of piston tube 150 maycomprise a non-crystalline material, e.g., glass.

Actuation facilitating sleeve 130 may be manufactured from any suitablematerial, e.g., polymers, metals, metal alloys, etc., or from anycombination of suitable materials. Piston tube 150 may be manufacturedfrom any suitable material, e.g., polymers, metals, metal alloys, etc.,or from any combination of suitable materials. In one or moreembodiments, an inner portion of actuation facilitating sleeve 130 maybe coated with a material configured to minimize a coefficient offriction between actuation facilitating sleeve 130 and piston tube 150,e.g., Teflon. Illustratively, an outer portion of piston tube 150 may becoated with a material configured to minimize a coefficient of frictionbetween piston tube 150 and actuation facilitation sleeve 130, e.g.,Teflon.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams illustrating a membrane removingforceps 300. FIG. 3A illustrates a top view and FIG. 3B illustrates afront view of a membrane removing forceps 300. Illustratively, membraneremoving forceps 300 may be manufactured with dimensions configured forperforming microsurgical procedures, e.g., ophthalmic surgicalprocedures. In one or more embodiments, membrane removing forceps 300may be manufactured from surgical blank 180. Illustratively, membraneremoving forceps 300 may be manufactured by modifying surgical blank180, e.g., with an electric discharge machine. In one or moreembodiments, membrane removing forceps 300 may be manufactured bymodifying surgical blank 180, e.g., with a laser, a file, or anysuitable modification means. Illustratively, membrane removing forceps300 may comprise a plurality of forceps jaws 310, a first contour angle320, a second contour angle 330, and one or more abrasive surfaces 340.

In one or more embodiments, abrasive surface 340 may be configured tograsp a portion of a membrane, e.g., abrasive surface 340 may beconfigured to grasp a portion of an internal limiting membrane 650.Illustratively, a surgeon may maneuver a portion of abrasive surface 340across a portion of a membrane, e.g., to raise a portion of themembrane. In one or more embodiments, abrasive surface 340 may beconfigured to grasp a portion of a first tissue disposed over a secondtissue without damaging the second tissue. Illustratively, abrasivesurface 340 may be configured to grasp a first tissue having a convexsurface geometry disposed over a second tissue having a convex surfacegeometry without damaging the second tissue.

In one or more embodiments, abrasive surface 340 may be manufactured byfixing particles, e.g., inert particles, to a portion of membraneremoving forceps 300. Illustratively, particles may be fixed to aportion of membrane removing forceps 300, e.g., by an adhesive or anysuitable fixation means. In one or more embodiments, particles may befixed to a portion of membrane removing forceps 300 by a biocompatiblehigh temperature epoxy. Illustratively, particles may be fixed to aportion of membrane removing forceps 300 by a biocompatible spectrallytransparent epoxy. In one or more embodiments, a portion of membraneremoving forceps 300 may be coated by a material configured tofacilitate adhesion of particles. Illustratively, a portion of membraneremoving forceps 300 may be coated by a material, e.g., silicon, andthen particles may be fixed to the material, e.g., by an adhesive or anysuitable fixation means.

In one or more embodiments, abrasive surface 340 may be manufactured byfixing particles to a portion of membrane removing forceps 300, e.g.,particles may comprise diamond particles, sapphire particles, rubyparticles, emerald particles, etc. Illustratively, abrasive surface 340may be manufactured by fixing biocompatible particles to a portion ofmembrane removing forceps 300. In one or more embodiments, abrasivesurface 340 may be manufactured by fixing particles having particlediameters in a range of 5.0 to 25.0 micrometers to a portion of membraneremoving forceps 300, e.g., abrasive surface 340 may be manufactured byfixing particles having particle diameters of 15.0 micrometers to aportion of membrane removing forceps 300. Illustratively, abrasivesurface 340 may be manufactured by fixing particles having particlediameters less than 5.0 micrometers or greater than 25.0 micrometers toa portion of membrane removing forceps 300.

In one or more embodiments, particles having a first particle diametermay be fixed to a first portion of membrane removing forceps 300, e.g.,particles having a first particle diameter of 5.0 micrometers may befixed to a first portion of membrane removing forceps 300.Illustratively, a first abrasive surface 340 may comprise particleshaving the first particle diameter fixed to the first portion ofmembrane removing forceps 300. In one or more embodiments, particleshaving a second particle diameter may be fixed to a second portion ofmembrane removing forceps 300, e.g., particles having a second particlediameter of 10.0 micrometers may be fixed to a second portion ofmembrane removing forceps 300. Illustratively, a second abrasive surface340 may comprise particles having the second particle diameter fixed tothe second portion of membrane removing forceps 300. In one or moreembodiments, particles having a third particle diameter may be fixed toa third portion of membrane removing forceps 300, e.g., particles havinga third particle diameter of 15.0 micrometers may be fixed to a thirdportion of membrane removing forceps 300. Illustratively, a thirdabrasive surface 340 may comprise particles having the third particlediameter fixed to the third portion of membrane removing forceps 300. Inone or more embodiments, particles having a fourth particle diameter maybe fixed to a fourth portion of membrane removing forceps 300, e.g.,particles having a fourth particle diameter of 20.0 micrometers may befixed to a fourth portion of membrane removing forceps 300.Illustratively, a fourth abrasive surface 340 may comprise particleshaving the fourth particle diameter fixed to the fourth portion ofmembrane removing forceps 300. In one or more embodiments, particleshaving a fifth particle diameter may be fixed to a fifth portion ofmembrane removing forceps 300, e.g., particles having a fifth particlediameter of 25.0 micrometers may be fixed to a fifth portion of membraneremoving forceps 300. Illustratively, a fifth abrasive surface 340 maycomprise particles having the fifth particle diameter fixed to the fifthportion of membrane removing forceps 300.

In one or more embodiments, a surgeon may select one or more particularabrasive surfaces 340 from a plurality of abrasive surfaces 340 ofmembrane removing forceps 300, e.g., to perform a surgical procedure.Illustratively, each particular abrasive surface 340 of a plurality ofabrasive surfaces 340 may have one or more unique properties, e.g., eachabrasive surface 340 may comprise particles having a unique particlediameter. In one or more embodiments, membrane removing forceps 300 maybe configured to visually indicate to a surgeon a location of aparticular abrasive surface 340, e.g., a location may be marked toindicate the presence of a particular abrasive surface 340 at thelocation. Illustratively, membrane removing forceps 300 may beconfigured to indicate to visually indicate to a surgeon one or moreunique properties of an abrasive surface 340, e.g., a particularabrasive surface 340 may be marked to indicate one or more uniqueproperties of the particular surface 340. In one or more embodiments, asurgeon may remove a membrane and minimize trauma to an underlyingtissue by selecting an abrasive surface 340 of a membrane removingforceps 300, e.g., by manipulating an orientation of membrane removingforceps 300. Illustratively, a surgeon may select a first selectedabrasive surface 340 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 340 wherein thefirst selected abrasive surface 340 is configured to minimize an amountof trauma to the underlying tissue, e.g., a surgeon may select a firstselected abrasive surface 340 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 340wherein the first selected abrasive surface 340 comprises particleshaving a first particle diameter. Illustratively, a surgeon may maneuvera portion of a first selected abrasive surface 340 across a portion of amembrane, e.g., to perform a first attempt to raise a portion of themembrane. If the first attempt to raise a portion of the membrane isunsuccessful, then the surgeon may select an abrasive surface 340 havingparticles with particle diameters larger than the particle diameters ofthe particles of the first selected abrasive surface 340, e.g., bymanipulating an orientation of membrane removing forceps 300. In one ormore embodiments, the surgeon may select a second selected abrasivesurface 340 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 340 wherein the secondselected abrasive surface 340 is configured to minimize an amount oftrauma to the underlying tissue, e.g., the surgeon may select a secondselected abrasive surface 340 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 340wherein the second selected abrasive surface 340 comprises particleshaving a second particle diameter. Illustratively, the surgeon maymaneuver a portion of a second selected abrasive surface 340 across aportion of a membrane, e.g., to perform a second attempt to raise aportion of the membrane. If the second attempt to raise a portion of themembrane is unsuccessful, then the surgeon may select an abrasivesurface 340 having particles with particle diameters larger than theparticle diameters of the particles of the second selected abrasivesurface 340, e.g., by manipulating an orientation of membrane removingforceps 300. In one or more embodiments, the surgeon may select a thirdselected abrasive surface 340 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 340wherein the third selected abrasive surface 340 is configured tominimize an amount of trauma to the underlying tissue, e.g., the surgeonmay select a third selected abrasive surface 340 of a plurality ofabrasive surfaces 340 wherein the third selected abrasive surface 340comprises particles having a third particle diameter. Illustratively,the surgeon may maneuver a portion of a third selected abrasive surface340 across a portion of a membrane, e.g., to perform a third attempt toraise a portion of the membrane. If the third attempt to raise a portionof the membrane is unsuccessful, then the surgeon may select an abrasivesurface 340 having particles with particle diameters larger than theparticle diameters of the particles of the third selected abrasivesurface 340, e.g., by manipulating an orientation of membrane removingforceps 300. In one or more embodiments, the surgeon may select a fourthselected abrasive surface 340 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 340wherein the fourth selected abrasive surface 340 is configured tominimize an amount of trauma to the underlying tissue, e.g., the surgeonmay select a fourth selected abrasive surface 340 of a plurality ofabrasive surfaces 340 wherein the fourth selected abrasive surface 340comprises particles having a fourth particle diameter. Illustratively,the surgeon may maneuver a portion of a fourth selected abrasive surface340 across a portion of a membrane, e.g., to perform a fourth attempt toraise a portion of the membrane. If the fourth attempt to raise aportion of the membrane is unsuccessful, then the surgeon may select anabrasive surface 340 having particles with particle diameters largerthan the particle diameters of the particles of the fourth selectedabrasive surface 340, e.g., by manipulating an orientation of membraneremoving forceps 300. In one or more embodiments, the surgeon may selecta fifth selected abrasive surface 340 of a plurality of abrasivesurfaces 340 wherein the fifth selected abrasive surface 340 isconfigured to minimize an amount of trauma to the underlying tissue,e.g., the surgeon may select a fifth selected abrasive surface 340 of aplurality of abrasive surfaces 340 wherein the fifth selected abrasivesurface 340 comprises particles having a fifth particle diameter.Illustratively, the surgeon may maneuver a portion of a fifth selectedabrasive surface 340 across a portion of a membrane, e.g., to perform afifth attempt to raise a portion of the membrane.

In one or more embodiments, abrasive surface 340 may be manufactured bymodifying surgical blank 180, e.g., by an electric discharge machine.Illustratively, abrasive surface 340 may be manufactured by actuating aportion of surgical blank 180 relative to a wire of an electricdischarge machine, e.g., to form a plurality of micropillars. In one ormore embodiments, abrasive surface 340 may be manufactured by actuatinga wire of an electric discharge machine relative to a portion ofsurgical blank 180, e.g., to form a plurality of micropillars.Illustratively, surgical blank 180 may be modified, e.g., by an electricdischarge machine, wherein one or more portions of surgical blank 180comprise a plurality of micropillars. In one or more embodiments,surgical blank 180 may be modified wherein one or more portions ofsurgical blank 180 comprise a plurality of micropillars and thensurgical blank 180 may be modified to manufacture membrane removingforceps 300. Illustratively, one or more portions of membrane removingforceps 300 may comprise a plurality of micropillars. In one or moreembodiments, surgical blank 180 may be modified to manufacture membraneremoving forceps 300 and then membrane removing forceps 300 may bemodified, e.g., by an electric discharge machine, wherein one or moreportions of membrane removing forceps 300 comprise a plurality ofmicropillars.

Illustratively, abrasive surface 340 may be manufactured by modifyingsurgical blank 180, e.g., by laser ablation. In one or more embodiments,abrasive surface 340 may be manufactured by modifying surgical blank180, e.g., by femtosecond laser ablation. Illustratively, abrasivesurface 340 may be manufactured by applying laser energy to a portion ofsurgical blank 180 wherein the laser energy is applied in geometricpatterns configured to fabricate micropillars on a surface of surgicalblank 180, e.g., the laser energy may be applied in concentric circles,polygons, etc. In one or more embodiments, abrasive surface 340 may bemanufactured by applying laser energy to a portion of surgical blank 180wherein the laser energy is applied repeatedly in geometric patternsconfigured to fabricate micropillars on a surface of surgical blank 180,e.g., the laser energy may be repeatedly applied in concentric circles,polygons, etc. Illustratively, surgical blank 180 may be modified, e.g.,by laser ablation, wherein one or more portions of surgical blank 180comprise a plurality of micropillars. In one or more embodiments,surgical blank 180 may be modified wherein one or more portions ofsurgical blank 180 comprise a plurality of micropillars and thensurgical blank 180 may be modified to manufacture membrane removingforceps 300. Illustratively, one or more portions of membrane removingforceps 300 may comprise a plurality of micropillars. In one or moreembodiments, surgical blank 180 may be modified, e.g., by an electricdischarge machine, to manufacture membrane removing forceps 300 and thenmembrane removing forceps 300 may be modified, e.g., by laser ablation,wherein one or more portions of membrane removing forceps 300 comprise aplurality of micropillars.

Illustratively, abrasive surface 340 may be manufactured by modifyingsurgical blank 180, e.g., by deep reactive-ion etching. In one or moreembodiments, abrasive surface 340 may be manufactured by modifyingsurgical blank 180, e.g., by the Bosch process of time-multiplexedetching. Illustratively, abrasive surface 340 may be manufactured byexposing a portion of surgical blank 180 to repeated cycles of isotropicplasma etching followed by deposition of a chemically inert passivationlayer to fabricate a plurality of micropillars on a surface of surgicalblank 180. In one or more embodiments, abrasive surface 340 may bemanufactured by fabricating a plurality of micropillars on a substrateand then fixing the substrate to a portion of surgical blank 180.Illustratively, surgical blank 180 may be modified, e.g., by deepreactive-ion etching, wherein one or more portions of surgical blank 180comprise a plurality of micropillars. In one or more embodiments,surgical blank 180 may be modified wherein one or more portions ofsurgical blank 180 comprise a plurality of micropillars and thensurgical blank 180 may be modified to manufacture membrane removingforceps 300. Illustratively, one or more portions of membrane removingforceps 300 may comprise a plurality of micropillars. In one or moreembodiments, surgical blank 180 may be modified, e.g., by an electricdischarge machine, to manufacture membrane removing forceps 300 and thenmembrane removing forceps 300 may be modified, e.g., by deepreactive-ion etching, wherein one or more portions of membrane removingforceps 300 comprise a plurality of micropillars.

Illustratively, abrasive surface 340 may comprise a plurality ofmicropillars, e.g., abrasive surface 340 may comprise one or moremicropillar arrays. In one or more embodiments, abrasive surface 340 maycomprise a plurality of micropillars having micropillar diameters in arange of 5.0 to 25.0 micrometers, e.g., abrasive surface 340 maycomprise a plurality of micropillars having micropillar diameters of15.0 micrometers. In one or more embodiments, abrasive surface 340 maycomprise a plurality of micropillars having micropillar diameters lessthan 5.0 micrometers or greater than 25.0 micrometers. Illustratively,abrasive surface 340 may comprise a plurality of micropillars havingmicropillar heights in a range of 0.25 to 3.0 micrometers, e.g.,abrasive surface 340 may comprise a plurality of micropillars havingmicropillar heights of 2.25 micrometers. In one or more embodiments,abrasive surface 340 may comprise a plurality of micropillars havingmicropillar heights less than 0.25 micrometers or greater than 3.0micrometers. Illustratively, abrasive surface 340 may comprise aplurality of micropillars having micropillar heights in a range of 10.0to 95.0 percent of the average thickness of internal limiting membrane650, e.g., abrasive surface 340 may comprise a plurality of micropillarshaving micropillar heights of 80.0 percent of the average thickness ofinternal limiting membrane 650. In one or more embodiments, abrasivesurface 340 may comprise a plurality of micropillars having micropillarorientations normal to a portion of a surface of membrane removingforceps 300. Illustratively, abrasive surface 340 may comprise aplurality of micropillars having micropillar orientations at an anglerelative to a portion of a surface of membrane removing forceps 300. Inone or more embodiments, abrasive surface 340 may comprise a pluralityof micropillars having micropillar orientations at an angle in a rangeof 60.0 to 89.0 degrees relative to a portion of a surface of membraneremoving forceps 300, e.g., abrasive surface 340 may comprise aplurality of micropillars having micropillar orientations at an angle of85.0 degrees relative to a portion of a surface of membrane removingforceps 300. Illustratively, abrasive surface 340 may comprise aplurality of micropillars having micropillar orientations at an angleless than 60.0 degrees or greater than 89.0 degrees relative to aportion of a surface of membrane removing forceps 300.

In one or more embodiments, a first abrasive surface 340 of a pluralityof abrasive surfaces 340 of membrane removing forceps 300 may comprise aplurality of micropillars having micropillar orientations at a firstangle relative to a portion of a surface of membrane removing forceps300, e.g., a first abrasive surface 340 of a plurality of abrasivesurfaces 340 of membrane removing forceps 300 may comprise a pluralityof micropillars having micropillar orientations at a 70.0 degree anglerelative to a portion of a surface of membrane removing forceps 300.Illustratively, a second abrasive surface 340 of a plurality of abrasivesurfaces 340 of membrane removing forceps 300 may comprise a pluralityof micropillars having micropillar orientations at a second anglerelative to a portion of a surface of membrane removing forceps 300,e.g., a second abrasive surface 340 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces340 of membrane removing forceps 300 may comprise a plurality ofmicropillars having micropillar orientations at a 75.0 degree anglerelative a portion of a surface of membrane removing forceps 300. In oneor more embodiments, a third abrasive surface 340 of a plurality ofabrasive surfaces 340 of membrane removing forceps 300 may comprise aplurality of micropillars having micropillar orientations at a thirdangle relative to a portion of a surface of membrane removing forceps300, e.g., a third abrasive surface 340 of a plurality of abrasivesurfaces 340 of membrane removing forceps 300 may comprise a pluralityof micropillars having micropillar orientations at an 80.0 degree anglerelative to a portion of a surface of membrane removing forceps 300.Illustratively, a fourth abrasive surface 340 of a plurality of abrasivesurfaces 340 of membrane removing forceps 300 may comprise a pluralityof micropillars having micropillar orientations at a fourth anglerelative to a portion of a surface of membrane removing forceps 300,e.g., a fourth abrasive surface 340 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces340 of membrane removing forceps 300 may comprise a plurality ofmicropillars having micropillar orientations at an 85.0 degree anglerelative to a portion of a surface of membrane removing forceps 300. Inone or more embodiments, a fifth abrasive surface 340 of a plurality ofabrasive surfaces 340 of membrane removing forceps 300 may comprise aplurality of micropillars having micropillar orientations at a fifthangle relative to a portion of a surface of membrane removing forceps300, e.g., a fifth abrasive surface 340 of a plurality of abrasivesurfaces 340 of membrane removing forceps 300 may comprise a pluralityof micropillars having micropillar orientations at a 90.0 degree anglerelative to a portion of a surface of membrane removing forceps 300.

In one or more embodiments, a surgeon may select one or more particularabrasive surfaces 340 from a plurality of abrasive surfaces 340 ofmembrane removing forceps 300, e.g., to perform a surgical procedure.Illustratively, each particular abrasive surface 340 of a plurality ofabrasive surfaces 340 may have one or more unique properties, e.g., eachabrasive surface 340 may comprise a plurality of micropillars havingmicropillar orientations at a particular angle relative to a portion ofa surface of membrane removing forceps 300. In one or more embodiments,a surgeon may remove a membrane and minimize trauma to an underlyingtissue by selecting an abrasive surface 340 of a membrane removingforceps 300, e.g., by manipulating an orientation of membrane removingforceps 300. Illustratively, a surgeon may select a first selectedabrasive surface 340 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 340 wherein thefirst selected abrasive surface 340 is configured to minimize an amountof trauma to the underlying tissue, e.g., a surgeon may select a firstselected abrasive surface 340 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 340wherein the first selected abrasive surface 340 comprises a plurality ofmicropillars having micropillar orientations at a first angle relativeto a portion of a surface of membrane removing forceps 300. In one ormore embodiments, a surgeon may maneuver a portion of a first selectedabrasive surface 340 across a portion of a membrane, e.g., to perform afirst attempt to raise a portion of the membrane. If the first attemptto raise a portion of the membrane is unsuccessful, then the surgeon mayselect an abrasive surface 340 having a plurality of micropillarswherein the plurality of micropillars have micropillar orientations atan angle greater than the first angle relative to a portion of a surfaceof membrane removing forceps 300, e.g., by manipulating an orientationof membrane removing forceps 300. Illustratively, a surgeon may select asecond selected abrasive surface 340 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces340 wherein the second selected abrasive surface 340 is configured tominimize an amount of trauma to the underlying tissue, e.g., a surgeonmay select a second selected abrasive surface 340 of a plurality ofabrasive surfaces 340 wherein the second selected abrasive surface 340comprises a plurality of micropillars having micropillar orientations ata second angle relative to a portion of a surface of membrane removingforceps 300. In one or more embodiments, a surgeon may maneuver aportion of a second selected abrasive surface 340 across a portion of amembrane, e.g., to perform a second attempt to raise a portion of themembrane. If the second attempt to raise a portion of the membrane isunsuccessful, then the surgeon may select an abrasive surface 340 havinga plurality of micropillars wherein the plurality of micropillars havemicropillar orientations at an angle greater than the second anglerelative to a portion of a surface of membrane removing forceps 300,e.g., by manipulating an orientation of membrane removing forceps 300.Illustratively, a surgeon may select a third selected abrasive surface340 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 340 wherein the third selectedabrasive surface 340 is configured to minimize an amount of trauma tothe underlying tissue, e.g., a surgeon may select a third selectedabrasive surface 340 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 340 wherein thethird selected abrasive surface 340 comprises a plurality ofmicropillars having micropillar orientations at a third angle relativeto a portion of a surface of membrane removing forceps 300. In one ormore embodiments, a surgeon may maneuver a portion of a third selectedabrasive surface 340 across a portion of a membrane, e.g., to perform athird attempt to raise a portion of the membrane. If the third attemptto raise a portion of the membrane is unsuccessful, then the surgeon mayselect an abrasive surface 340 having a plurality of micropillarswherein the plurality of micropillars have micropillar orientations atan angle greater than the third angle relative to a portion of a surfaceof membrane removing forceps 300, e.g., by manipulating an orientationof membrane removing forceps 300. Illustratively, a surgeon may select afourth selected abrasive surface 340 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces340 wherein the fourth selected abrasive surface 340 is configured tominimize an amount of trauma to the underlying tissue, e.g., a surgeonmay select a fourth selected abrasive surface 340 of a plurality ofabrasive surfaces 340 wherein the fourth selected abrasive surface 340comprises a plurality of micropillars having micropillar orientations ata fourth angle relative to a portion of a surface of membrane removingforceps 300. In one or more embodiments, a surgeon may maneuver aportion of a fourth selected abrasive surface 340 across a portion of amembrane, e.g., to perform a fourth attempt to raise a portion of themembrane. If the fourth attempt to raise a portion of the membrane isunsuccessful, then the surgeon may select an abrasive surface 340 havinga plurality of micropillars wherein the plurality of micropillars havemicropillar orientations at an angle greater than the fourth anglerelative to a portion of a surface of membrane removing forceps 300,e.g., by manipulating an orientation of membrane removing forceps 300.Illustratively, a surgeon may select a fifth selected abrasive surface340 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 340 wherein the fifth selectedabrasive surface 340 is configured to minimize an amount of trauma tothe underlying tissue, e.g., a surgeon may select a fifth selectedabrasive surface 340 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 340 wherein thefifth selected abrasive surface 340 comprises a plurality ofmicropillars having micropillar orientations at a fifth angle relativeto a portion of a surface of membrane removing forceps 300. In one ormore embodiments, a surgeon may maneuver a portion of a fifth selectedabrasive surface 340 across a portion of a membrane, e.g., to perform afifth attempt to raise a portion of the membrane.

Illustratively, each forceps jaw 310 of a plurality of forceps jaws 310may comprise a forceps jaw distal end 311 and a forceps jaw proximal end312. In one or more embodiments, a first forceps jaw distal end 311 anda second forceps jaw distal end 311 may be separated by a maximumforceps jaw separation distance 315. Illustratively, a maximum forcepsjaw separation distance 315 may be in a range of 0.005 to 0.08 inches,e.g., a maximum forceps jaw separation distance 315 may be 0.04 inches.In one or more embodiments, a maximum forceps jaw separation distance315 may be less than 0.005 inches or greater than 0.08 inches.Illustratively, membrane removing forceps 300 may be configured toseparate a first tissue from a surface of a second tissue withoutdamaging the second tissue. For example, membrane removing forceps 300may be configured to separate a first tissue having a convex surfacegeometry from a second tissue having a convex surface geometry withoutdamaging the second tissue. In one or more embodiments, the first tissuemay comprise an internal limiting membrane 650 and the second tissue maycomprise a retinal tissue 670. Illustratively, a maximum forceps jawseparation distance 315 may be in a range of 200.0 to 600.0 timesgreater than an average thickness of the first tissue, e.g., a maximumforceps jaw separation distance 315 may be 291.0 times greater than anaverage thickness of the first tissue. In one or more embodiments, amaximum forceps jaw separation distance 315 may be less than 200.0 timesor greater than 600.0 times greater than an average thickness of thefirst tissue. Illustratively, a maximum forceps jaw separation distance315 may be in a range of 200.0 to 600.0 times greater than an averagethickness of internal limiting membrane 650, e.g., a maximum forceps jawseparation distance 315 may be 291.0 times greater than an averagethickness of internal limiting membrane 650. In one or more embodiments,a maximum forceps jaw separation distance 315 may be less than 200.0times or greater than 600.0 times greater than an average thickness ofinternal limiting membrane 650.

Illustratively, first contour angle 320 may comprise any angle less than90.0 degrees, e.g., first contour angle 320 may comprise any angle in arange of 60.0 to 80.0 degrees. In one or more embodiments, first contourangle 320 may comprise an angle less than 60.0 degrees or greater than80.0 degrees. Illustratively, first contour angle 320 may comprise a76.3 degree angle. In one or more embodiments, second contour angle 330may comprise any angle greater than 90.0 degrees, e.g., second contourangle 330 may comprise any angle in a range of 95.0 to 120.0 degrees.Illustratively, second contour angle 330 may comprise an angle less than95.0 degrees or greater than 120.0 degrees. In one or more embodiments,second contour angle 330 may comprise a 103.7 degree angle.

In one or more embodiments, forceps jaws 310 may be configured to closeat forceps jaws distal ends 311 as outer hypodermic tube 170 isgradually actuated over forceps jaws proximal ends 312. Illustratively,an extension of outer hypodermic tube 170 relative to surgical blank 180may be configured to decrease a distance between a first forceps jawdistal end 311 and a second forceps jaw distal end 311. In one or moreembodiments, an extension of outer hypodermic tube 170 over a firstforceps jaw proximal end 312 and a second forceps jaw proximal end 312may be configured to cause the first forceps jaw distal end 311 and thesecond forceps jaw distal end 311 to contact before any other portion ofthe first forceps jaw 310 contacts any other portion of the secondforceps jaw 310.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, and 4F are schematic diagrams illustrating agradual closing of a membrane removing forceps 300. FIG. 4A illustratesa top view and FIG. 4B illustrates a front view of an open membraneremoving forceps 400. In one or more embodiments, membrane removingforceps 300 may comprise an open membrane removing forceps 400, e.g.,when a first forceps jaw distal end 311 is separated from a secondforceps jaw distal end 311 by maximum forceps jaw separation distance315. Illustratively, membrane removing forceps 300 may comprise an openmembrane removing forceps 400, e.g., when outer hypodermic tube 170 isfully retracted relative to forceps jaws proximal ends 312.Illustratively, membrane removing forceps 300 may comprise an openmembrane removing forceps 400, e.g., when handle 110 is fullydecompressed.

FIG. 4C illustrates a top view and FIG. 4D illustrates a front view of apartially closed membrane removing forceps 410. In one or moreembodiments, a compression of handle 110 may be configured to graduallyclose a membrane removing forceps 300, e.g., from an open membraneremoving forceps 400 to a partially closed membrane removing forceps410. Illustratively, a compression of handle 110 may be configured toextend outer hypodermic tube 170 relative to surgical blank 180, e.g., acompression of handle 110 may be configured to extend outer hypodermictube distal end 171 over forceps jaws proximal ends 312. In one or moreembodiments, a compression of handle 110 may be configured to decrease adistance between a first forceps jaw distal end 311 and a second forcepsjaw distal end 311, e.g., a first forceps jaw distal end 311 and asecond forceps jaw distal end 311 may be separated by a distance lessthan maximum forceps jaw separation distance 315 when membrane removingforceps 300 comprises a partially closed membrane removing forceps 410.

FIG. 4E illustrates a top view and FIG. 4F illustrates a front view of afully closed membrane removing forceps 420. Illustratively, acompression of handle 110 may be configured to gradually close amembrane removing forceps 300, e.g., from a partially closed membraneremoving forceps 410 to a fully closed membrane removing forceps 420. Inone or more embodiments, a compression of handle 110 may be configuredto extend outer hypodermic tube 170 relative to surgical blank 180,e.g., a compression of handle 110 may be configured to extend outerhypodermic tube distal end 171 over forceps jaws proximal ends 312.Illustratively, an extension of outer hypodermic tube 170 over forcepsjaws proximal ends 312 may be configured to close forceps jaws 310wherein forceps jaws 310 initially contact at forceps jaws distal ends311. In one or more embodiments, a compression of handle 110 may beconfigured to gradually close forceps jaws 310 wherein forceps jaws 310initially contact at forceps jaws distal ends 311. Illustratively, afterforceps jaws distal ends 311 initially contact, a compression of handle110 may be configured to gradually close forceps jaws 310 wherein acontact area between forceps jaws 310 gradually increases. In one ormore embodiments, forceps jaws 310 may be configured to close wherein anamount of a first forceps jaw 310 in contact with a second forceps jaw310 increases gradually from forceps jaws distal ends 311, e.g., forcepsjaws 310 may be configured to close wherein an amount of a first forcepsjaw 310 in contact with a second forceps jaw 310 increases graduallytowards forceps jaws proximal ends 312. Illustratively, a compression ofhandle 110 may be configured to close forceps jaws 310 starting atforceps jaws distal ends 311 and gradually progressing towards forcepsjaws proximal ends 312. In one or more embodiments, a compression ofhandle 110 may be configured to close a first forceps jaw 310 and asecond forceps jaw 310 wherein the first and second forceps jaws 310initially contact each other at first and second forceps jaws distalends 311. Illustratively, after the first and second forceps jaws 310initially contact at first and second forceps jaws distal ends 311, acompression of handle 110 may be configured to cause medial portions ofthe first and second forceps jaws 310 to gradually contact each otherstarting at medial portions of the first and second forceps jaws 310adjacent to first and second forceps jaws distal ends 311.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 4D, 5E, and 5F are schematic diagrams illustrating agradual opening of a membrane removing forceps 300. FIG. 5A illustratesa top view and FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of a closed membraneremoving forceps 500. In one or more embodiments, membrane removingforceps 300 may comprise a closed membrane removing forceps 500, e.g.,when a first forceps jaw distal end 311 is adjacent to a second forcepsjaw distal end 311. Illustratively, membrane removing forceps 300 maycomprise a closed membrane removing forceps 500, e.g., when outerhypodermic tube 170 is fully extended over forceps jaws proximal ends312. Illustratively, membrane removing forceps 300 may comprise a closedmembrane removing forceps 500, e.g., when handle 110 is fullycompressed.

FIG. 5C illustrates a top view and FIG. 5D illustrates a front view of apartially open membrane removing forceps 510. In one or moreembodiments, a decompression of handle 110 may be configured togradually open a membrane removing forceps 300, e.g., from a closedmembrane removing forceps 500 to a partially open membrane removingforceps 510. Illustratively, a decompression of handle 110 may beconfigured to retract outer hypodermic tube 170 relative to surgicalblank 180, e.g., a decompression of handle 110 may be configured toretract outer hypodermic tube distal end 171 relative to forceps jawsproximal ends 312. In one or more embodiments, a decompression of handle110 may be configured to gradually separate forceps jaws 310.Illustratively, a decompression of handle 110 may be configured togradually separate forceps jaws 310 wherein a first forceps jaw distalend 311 contacts a second forceps jaw distal end 311 until all otherportions of forceps jaws 310 are separated. In one or more embodiments,a decompression of handle 110 may be configured to separate forceps jaws310 wherein forceps jaws distal ends 311 are the last portions offorceps jaws 310 to separate.

FIG. 5E illustrates a top view and FIG. 5F illustrates a front view of afully open membrane removing forceps 520. Illustratively, adecompression of handle 110 may be configured to gradually open amembrane removing forceps 300, e.g., from a partially open membraneremoving forceps 510 to a fully open membrane removing forceps 520. Inone or more embodiments, a decompression of handle 110 may be configuredto retract outer hypodermic tube 170 relative to surgical blank 180,e.g., a decompression of handle 110 may be configured to retract outerhypodermic tube distal end 171 relative to forceps jaws proximal ends312. Illustratively, a decompression of handle 110 may be configured togradually separate forceps jaws 310. In one or more embodiments, a firstforceps jaw distal end 311 and a second forceps jaw distal end 311 maybe separated by maximum forceps jaw separation distance 315, e.g., whenmembrane removing forceps 300 comprises a fully open membrane removingforceps 520.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E are schematic diagrams illustrating amembrane removal. FIG. 6A illustrates an attached membrane 600.Illustratively, an attached membrane 600 may comprise an internallimiting membrane 650 attached to a retinal tissue 670. In one or moreembodiments, a surgeon may separate internal limiting membrane 650 fromretinal tissue 670 by grasping internal limiting membrane 650 withforceps jaws 310, e.g., without damaging retinal tissue 670.Illustratively, a surgeon may manipulate handle 110 to approach retinaltissue 670 with membrane removing forceps 300, e.g., when membraneremoving forceps 300 comprises an open membrane removing forceps 400.For example, a surgeon may gradually move forceps jaws distal ends 311closer to retinal tissue 670 until forceps jaws distal ends 311 contactinternal limiting membrane 650. In one or more embodiments, acompression of handle 110, e.g., by a surgeon, may be configured toextend outer hypodermic tube 170 over forceps jaws proximal ends 312.Illustratively, a surgeon may grasp internal limiting membrane 650 withforceps jaws distal ends 311 and no other portion of forceps jaws 310,e.g., to minimize trauma to an underlying retinal tissue 670. Forexample, after a surgeon grasps a first portion of internal limitingmembrane 650 with forceps jaws distal ends 311, the surgeon maymanipulate the first portion of internal limiting membrane 650 andcompress handle 110 to grasp a second portion of limiting membrane 650with forceps jaws 310. Illustratively, the surgeon may grasp the secondportion of internal limiting membrane 650 with a portion of forceps jaws310 located a distance from forceps jaws distal ends 311.

FIG. 6B illustrates a membrane grazing 610. In one or more embodiments,a membrane grazing 610 may be configured to raise a portion of amembrane, e.g., a membrane grazing 610 may be configured to raise aportion of internal limiting membrane 650. Illustratively, a membranegrazing 610 may comprise a contact between abrasive surface 340 and aninternal limiting membrane 650. In one or more embodiments, abrasivesurface 340 may be configured to grasp a portion of a membrane, e.g.,internal limiting membrane 650. Illustratively, abrasive surface 340 maybe configured to grasp and raise a portion of a membrane, e.g., internallimiting membrane 650. In one or more embodiments, abrasive surface 340may be configured to grasp a portion of internal limiting membrane 650and separate the portion of internal limiting membrane 650 from aportion of retinal tissue 670. Illustratively, a surgeon may maneuver aportion of abrasive surface 340 across a portion of a membrane, e.g., asurgeon may maneuver a portion of abrasive surface 340 across a portionof internal limiting membrane 650. In one or more embodiments, as asurgeon maneuvers a portion of abrasive surface 340 across a portion ofinternal limiting membrane 650, the surgeon may graze the portion ofinternal limiting membrane 650, e.g., by contacting the portion ofinternal limiting membrane 650 with abrasive surface 340.Illustratively, a contact between abrasive surface 340 and a portion ofinternal limiting membrane 650 may be configured to grasp the portion ofinternal limiting membrane 650. In one or more embodiments, a contactbetween abrasive surface 340 and a portion of internal limiting membrane650 may be configured to grasp and raise the portion of internallimiting membrane 650. Illustratively, a surgeon may graze a portion ofinternal limiting membrane 650, e.g., by contacting abrasive surface 340and a portion of internal limiting membrane 650 to grasp the portion ofinternal limiting membrane 650 and then actuating abrasive surface 340relative to internal limiting membrane 650 to raise the portion ofinternal limiting membrane 650.

FIG. 6C illustrates a grasping of a raised portion of a membrane 620.Illustratively, a surgeon may grasp a portion of a membrane, e.g., araised portion of internal limiting membrane 650, with membrane removingforceps 300 by compressing handle 110. In one or more embodiments, asurgeon may grasp a portion of a membrane, e.g., a raised portion ofinternal limiting membrane 650, by disposing the portion of the membranein between forceps jaws 310 and compressing handle 110. Illustratively,a surgeon may raise a portion of internal limiting membrane 650, e.g.,by performing a membrane grazing 610. In one or more embodiments, asurgeon may grasp the raised portion of internal limiting membrane 650,e.g., by maneuvering forceps jaws 310 wherein the raised portion ofinternal limiting membrane 650 is disposed between forceps jaws distalends 311. Illustratively, a surgeon may grasp a raised portion ofinternal limiting membrane 650 disposed between forceps jaws distal ends311, e.g., by compressing handle 110.

FIG. 6D illustrates a partially peeled membrane 630. Illustratively, apartially peeled membrane 630 may comprise an internal limiting membrane650 partially separated from a retinal tissue 670. In one or moreembodiments, a surgeon may raise a portion of a membrane, e.g., aninternal limiting membrane 650, by performing a membrane grazing 610.Illustratively, a surgeon may grasp a raised portion of a membrane,e.g., an internal limiting membrane 650, by performing a grasping of araised portion of a membrane 620. In one or more embodiments, a surgeonmay peel a membrane apart from an underlying tissue by grasping themembrane with membrane removing forceps 300 and pulling the membraneapart from the underlying tissue. Illustratively, a surgeon may peel aninternal limiting membrane 650 apart from an underlying retinal tissue670 by grasping internal limiting membrane 650 with membrane removingforceps 300 and pulling internal limiting membrane 650 apart fromretinal tissue 670. In one or more embodiments, a surgeon may peel amembrane apart from an underlying tissue by grasping the membrane withmembrane removing forceps 300 and pulling the membrane apart from theunderlying tissue until the membrane comprises a partially peeledmembrane 630. Illustratively, a surgeon may peel an internal limitingmembrane 650 apart from an underlying retinal tissue 670 by graspinginternal limiting membrane 650 with membrane removing forceps 300 andpulling internal limiting membrane 650 apart from retinal tissue 670until internal limiting membrane 650 comprises a partially peeledmembrane 630.

FIG. 6E illustrates a fully peeled membrane 640. Illustratively, a fullypeeled membrane 640 may comprise an internal limiting membrane 650completely separated from a retinal tissue 670. In one or moreembodiments, a surgeon may peel a membrane apart from an underlyingtissue by grasping the membrane with membrane removing forceps 300 andpulling the membrane apart from the underlying tissue until the membranecomprises a fully peeled membrane 640. Illustratively, a surgeon maycontinue to peel a partially peeled membrane 630 apart from anunderlying tissue until the membrane comprises a fully peeled membrane640. In one or more embodiments, a surgeon may peel an internal limitingmembrane 650 apart from an underlying retinal tissue 670 by graspinginternal limiting membrane 650 with membrane removing forceps 300 andpulling internal limiting membrane 650 apart from retinal tissue 670until internal limiting membrane 650 comprises a fully peeled membrane640. Illustratively, a surgeon may continue to peel a partially peeledmembrane 630 apart from retinal tissue 670 until internal limitingmembrane 650 comprises a fully peeled membrane 640.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams illustrating a blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700. FIG. 7A illustrates a top view and FIG. 7Billustrates a front view of a blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700.Illustratively, blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700 may bemanufactured with dimensions configured for performing microsurgicalprocedures, e.g., ophthalmic surgical procedures. In one or moreembodiments, blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700 may be manufacturedfrom surgical blank 180. Illustratively, blunt-tip membrane removingforceps 700 may be manufactured by modifying surgical blank 180, e.g.,with an electric discharge machine. In one or more embodiments,blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700 may be manufactured by modifyingsurgical blank 180, e.g., with a laser, a file, or any suitablemodification means. Illustratively, blunt-tip membrane removing forceps700 may comprise a plurality of forceps jaws 710, a third contour angle720, a fourth contour angle 730, and one or more abrasive surfaces 740.

In one or more embodiments, abrasive surface 740 may be configured tograsp a portion of a membrane, e.g., abrasive surface 740 may beconfigured to grasp a portion of an internal limiting membrane 650.Illustratively, a surgeon may maneuver a portion of abrasive surface 740across a portion of a membrane, e.g., to raise a portion of themembrane. In one or more embodiments, abrasive surface 740 may beconfigured to grasp a portion of a first tissue disposed over a secondtissue without damaging the second tissue. Illustratively, abrasivesurface 740 may be configured to grasp a first tissue having a convexsurface geometry disposed over a second tissue having a convex surfacegeometry without damaging the second tissue.

In one or more embodiments, abrasive surface 740 may be manufactured byfixing particles, e.g., inert particles, to a portion of blunt-tipmembrane removing forceps 700. Illustratively, particles may be fixed toa portion of blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700, e.g., by anadhesive or any suitable fixation means. In one or more embodiments,particles may be fixed to a portion of blunt-tip membrane removingforceps 700 by a biocompatible high temperature epoxy. Illustratively,particles may be fixed to a portion of blunt-tip membrane removingforceps 700 by a biocompatible spectrally transparent epoxy. In one ormore embodiments, a portion of blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700may be coated by a material configured to facilitate adhesion ofparticles. Illustratively, a portion of blunt-tip membrane removingforceps 700 may be coated by a material, e.g., silicon, and thenparticles may be fixed to the material, e.g., by an adhesive or anysuitable fixation means.

In one or more embodiments, abrasive surface 740 may be manufactured byfixing particles to a portion of blunt-tip membrane removing forceps700, e.g., particles may comprise diamond particles, sapphire particles,ruby particles, emerald particles, etc. Illustratively, abrasive surface740 may be manufactured by fixing biocompatible particles to a portionof blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700. In one or more embodiments,abrasive surface 740 may be manufactured by fixing particles havingparticle diameters in a range of 5.0 to 25.0 micrometers to a portion ofblunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700, e.g., abrasive surface 740 maybe manufactured by fixing particles having particle diameters of 15.0micrometers to a portion of blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700.Illustratively, abrasive surface 740 may be manufactured by fixingparticles having particle diameters less than 5.0 micrometers or greaterthan 25.0 micrometers to a portion of blunt-tip membrane removingforceps 700.

In one or more embodiments, particles having a first particle diametermay be fixed to a first portion of blunt-tip membrane removing forceps700, e.g., particles having a first particle diameter of 5.0 micrometersmay be fixed to a first portion of blunt-tip membrane removing forceps700. Illustratively, a first abrasive surface 740 may comprise particleshaving the first particle diameter fixed to the first portion ofblunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700. In one or more embodiments,particles having a second particle diameter may be fixed to a secondportion of blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700, e.g., particleshaving a second particle diameter of 10.0 micrometers may be fixed to asecond portion of blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700.Illustratively, a second abrasive surface 740 may comprise particleshaving the second particle diameter fixed to the second portion ofblunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700. In one or more embodiments,particles having a third particle diameter may be fixed to a thirdportion of blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700, e.g., particleshaving a third particle diameter of 15.0 micrometers may be fixed to athird portion of blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700.Illustratively, a third abrasive surface 740 may comprise particleshaving the third particle diameter fixed to the third portion ofblunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700. In one or more embodiments,particles having a fourth particle diameter may be fixed to a fourthportion of blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700, e.g., particleshaving a fourth particle diameter of 20.0 micrometers may be fixed to afourth portion of blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700.Illustratively, a fourth abrasive surface 740 may comprise particleshaving the fourth particle diameter fixed to the fourth portion ofblunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700. In one or more embodiments,particles having a fifth particle diameter may be fixed to a fifthportion of blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700, e.g., particleshaving a fifth particle diameter of 25.0 micrometers may be fixed to afifth portion of blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700.Illustratively, a fifth abrasive surface 740 may comprise particleshaving the fifth particle diameter fixed to the fifth portion ofblunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700.

In one or more embodiments, a surgeon may select one or more particularabrasive surfaces 740 from a plurality of abrasive surfaces 740 ofblunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700, e.g., to perform a surgicalprocedure. Illustratively, each particular abrasive surface 740 of aplurality of abrasive surfaces 740 may have one or more uniqueproperties, e.g., each abrasive surface 740 may comprise particleshaving a unique particle diameter. In one or more embodiments, a surgeonmay remove a membrane and minimize trauma to an underlying tissue byselecting an abrasive surface 740 of a blunt-tip membrane removingforceps 700, e.g., by manipulating an orientation of blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700. Illustratively, a surgeon may select a firstselected abrasive surface 740 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 740wherein the first selected abrasive surface 740 is configured tominimize an amount of trauma to the underlying tissue, e.g., a surgeonmay select a first selected abrasive surface 740 of a plurality ofabrasive surfaces 740 wherein the first selected abrasive surface 740comprises particles having a first particle diameter. Illustratively, asurgeon may maneuver a portion of a first selected abrasive surface 740across a portion of a membrane, e.g., to perform a first attempt toraise a portion of the membrane. If the first attempt to raise a portionof the membrane is unsuccessful, then the surgeon may select an abrasivesurface 740 having particles with particle diameters larger than theparticle diameters of the particles of the first selected abrasivesurface 740, e.g., by manipulating an orientation of blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700. In one or more embodiments, the surgeon may selecta second selected abrasive surface 740 of a plurality of abrasivesurfaces 740 wherein the second selected abrasive surface 740 isconfigured to minimize an amount of trauma to the underlying tissue,e.g., the surgeon may select a second selected abrasive surface 740 of aplurality of abrasive surfaces 740 wherein the second selected abrasivesurface 740 comprises particles having a second particle diameter.Illustratively, the surgeon may maneuver a portion of a second selectedabrasive surface 740 across a portion of a membrane, e.g., to perform asecond attempt to raise a portion of the membrane. If the second attemptto raise a portion of the membrane is unsuccessful, then the surgeon mayselect an abrasive surface 740 having particles with particle diameterslarger than the particle diameters of the particles of the secondselected abrasive surface 740, e.g., by manipulating an orientation ofblunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700. In one or more embodiments, thesurgeon may select a third selected abrasive surface 740 of a pluralityof abrasive surfaces 740 wherein the third selected abrasive surface 740is configured to minimize an amount of trauma to the underlying tissue,e.g., the surgeon may select a third selected abrasive surface 740 of aplurality of abrasive surfaces 740 wherein the third selected abrasivesurface 740 comprises particles having a third particle diameter.Illustratively, the surgeon may maneuver a portion of a third selectedabrasive surface 740 across a portion of a membrane, e.g., to perform athird attempt to raise a portion of the membrane. If the third attemptto raise a portion of the membrane is unsuccessful, then the surgeon mayselect an abrasive surface 740 having particles with particle diameterslarger than the particle diameters of the particles of the thirdselected abrasive surface 740, e.g., by manipulating an orientation ofblunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700. In one or more embodiments, thesurgeon may select a fourth selected abrasive surface 740 of a pluralityof abrasive surfaces 740 wherein the fourth selected abrasive surface740 is configured to minimize an amount of trauma to the underlyingtissue, e.g., the surgeon may select a fourth selected abrasive surface740 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 740 wherein the fourth selectedabrasive surface 740 comprises particles having a fourth particlediameter. Illustratively, the surgeon may maneuver a portion of a fourthselected abrasive surface 740 across a portion of a membrane, e.g., toperform a fourth attempt to raise a portion of the membrane. If thefourth attempt to raise a portion of the membrane is unsuccessful, thenthe surgeon may select an abrasive surface 740 having particles withparticle diameters larger than the particle diameters of the particlesof the fourth selected abrasive surface 740, e.g., by manipulating anorientation of blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700. In one or moreembodiments, the surgeon may select a fifth selected abrasive surface740 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 740 wherein the fifth selectedabrasive surface 740 is configured to minimize an amount of trauma tothe underlying tissue, e.g., the surgeon may select a fifth selectedabrasive surface 740 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 740 wherein thefifth selected abrasive surface 740 comprises particles having a fifthparticle diameter. Illustratively, the surgeon may maneuver a portion ofa fifth selected abrasive surface 740 across a portion of a membrane,e.g., to perform a fifth attempt to raise a portion of the membrane.

In one or more embodiments, abrasive surface 740 may be manufactured bymodifying surgical blank 180, e.g., by an electric discharge machine.Illustratively, abrasive surface 740 may be manufactured by actuating aportion of surgical blank 180 relative to a wire of an electricdischarge machine, e.g., to form a plurality of micropillars. In one ormore embodiments, abrasive surface 740 may be manufactured by actuatinga wire of an electric discharge machine relative to a portion ofsurgical blank 180, e.g., to form a plurality of micropillars.Illustratively, surgical blank 180 may be modified, e.g., by an electricdischarge machine, wherein one or more portions of surgical blank 180comprise a plurality of micropillars. In one or more embodiments,surgical blank 180 may be modified wherein one or more portions ofsurgical blank 180 comprise a plurality of micropillars and thensurgical blank 180 may be modified to manufacture blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700. Illustratively, one or more portions of blunt-tipmembrane removing forceps 700 may comprise a plurality of micropillars.In one or more embodiments, surgical blank 180 may be modified tomanufacture blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700 and then blunt-tipmembrane removing forceps 700 may be modified, e.g., by an electricdischarge machine, wherein one or more portions of blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700 comprise a plurality of micropillars.

Illustratively, abrasive surface 740 may be manufactured by modifyingsurgical blank 180, e.g., by laser ablation. In one or more embodiments,abrasive surface 740 may be manufactured by modifying surgical blank180, e.g., by femtosecond laser ablation. Illustratively, abrasivesurface 740 may be manufactured by applying laser energy to a portion ofsurgical blank 180 wherein the laser energy is applied in geometricpatterns configured to fabricate micropillars on a surface of surgicalblank 180, e.g., the laser energy may be applied in concentric circles,polygons, etc. In one or more embodiments, abrasive surface 740 may bemanufactured by applying laser energy to a portion of surgical blank 180wherein the laser energy is applied repeatedly in geometric patternsconfigured to fabricate micropillars on a surface of surgical blank 180,e.g., the laser energy may be repeatedly applied in concentric circles,polygons, etc. Illustratively, surgical blank 180 may be modified, e.g.,by laser ablation, wherein one or more portions of surgical blank 180comprise a plurality of micropillars. In one or more embodiments,surgical blank 180 may be modified wherein one or more portions ofsurgical blank 180 comprise a plurality of micropillars and thensurgical blank 180 may be modified to manufacture blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700. Illustratively, one or more portions of blunt-tipmembrane removing forceps 700 may comprise a plurality of micropillars.In one or more embodiments, surgical blank 180 may be modified, e.g., byan electric discharge machine, to manufacture blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700 and then blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700may be modified, e.g., by laser ablation, wherein one or more portionsof blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700 comprise a plurality ofmicropillars.

Illustratively, abrasive surface 740 may be manufactured by modifyingsurgical blank 180, e.g., by deep reactive-ion etching. In one or moreembodiments, abrasive surface 740 may be manufactured by modifyingsurgical blank 180, e.g., by the Bosch process of time-multiplexedetching. Illustratively, abrasive surface 740 may be manufactured byexposing a portion of surgical blank 180 to repeated cycles of isotropicplasma etching followed by deposition of a chemically inert passivationlayer to fabricate a plurality of micropillars on a surface of surgicalblank 180. In one or more embodiments, abrasive surface 740 may bemanufactured by fabricating a plurality of micropillars on a substrateand then fixing the substrate to a portion of surgical blank 180.Illustratively, surgical blank 180 may be modified, e.g., by deepreactive-ion etching, wherein one or more portions of surgical blank 180comprise a plurality of micropillars. In one or more embodiments,surgical blank 180 may be modified wherein one or more portions ofsurgical blank 180 comprise a plurality of micropillars and thensurgical blank 180 may be modified to manufacture blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700. Illustratively, one or more portions of blunt-tipmembrane removing forceps 700 may comprise a plurality of micropillars.In one or more embodiments, surgical blank 180 may be modified, e.g., byan electric discharge machine, to manufacture blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700 and then blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700may be modified, e.g., by deep reactive-ion etching, wherein one or moreportions of blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700 comprise a pluralityof micropillars.

Illustratively, abrasive surface 740 may comprise a plurality ofmicropillars, e.g., abrasive surface 740 may comprise one or moremicropillar arrays. In one or more embodiments, abrasive surface 740 maycomprise a plurality of micropillars having micropillar diameters in arange of 5.0 to 25.0 micrometers, e.g., abrasive surface 740 maycomprise a plurality of micropillars having micropillar diameters of15.0 micrometers. In one or more embodiments, abrasive surface 740 maycomprise a plurality of micropillars having micropillar diameters lessthan 5.0 micrometers or greater than 25.0 micrometers. Illustratively,abrasive surface 740 may comprise a plurality of micropillars havingmicropillar heights in a range of 0.25 to 3.0 micrometers, e.g.,abrasive surface 740 may comprise a plurality of micropillars havingmicropillar heights of 2.25 micrometers. In one or more embodiments,abrasive surface 740 may comprise a plurality of micropillars havingmicropillar heights less than 0.25 micrometers or greater than 3.0micrometers. Illustratively, abrasive surface 740 may comprise aplurality of micropillars having micropillar heights in a range of 10.0to 95.0 percent of the average thickness of internal limiting membrane650, e.g., abrasive surface 740 may comprise a plurality of micropillarshaving micropillar heights of 80.0 percent of the average thickness ofinternal limiting membrane 650. In one or more embodiments, abrasivesurface 740 may comprise a plurality of micropillars having micropillarorientations normal to a portion of a surface of blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700. Illustratively, abrasive surface 740 may comprisea plurality of micropillars having micropillar orientations at an anglerelative to a portion of a surface of blunt-tip membrane removingforceps 700. In one or more embodiments, abrasive surface 740 maycomprise a plurality of micropillars having micropillar orientations atan angle in a range of 60.0 to 89.0 degrees relative to a portion of asurface of blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700, e.g., abrasivesurface 740 may comprise a plurality of micropillars having micropillarorientations at an angle of 85.0 degrees relative to a portion of asurface of blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700. Illustratively,abrasive surface 740 may comprise a plurality of micropillars havingmicropillar orientations at an angle less than 60.0 degrees or greaterthan 89.0 degrees relative to a portion of a surface of blunt-tipmembrane removing forceps 700.

In one or more embodiments, a first abrasive surface 740 of a pluralityof abrasive surfaces 740 of membrane removing forceps 700 may comprise aplurality of micropillars having micropillar orientations at a firstangle relative to a portion of a surface of blunt-tip membrane removingforceps 700, e.g., a first abrasive surface 740 of a plurality ofabrasive surfaces 740 of blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700 maycomprise a plurality of micropillars having micropillar orientations ata 70.0 degree angle relative to a portion of a surface of blunt-tipmembrane removing forceps 700. Illustratively, a second abrasive surface740 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 740 of blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700 may comprise a plurality of micropillars havingmicropillar orientations at a second angle relative to a portion of asurface of blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700, e.g., a secondabrasive surface 740 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 740 ofblunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700 may comprise a plurality ofmicropillars having micropillar orientations at a 75.0 degree anglerelative to a portion of a surface of blunt-tip membrane removingforceps 700. In one or more embodiments, a third abrasive surface 740 ofa plurality of abrasive surfaces 740 of blunt-tip membrane removingforceps 700 may comprise a plurality of micropillars having micropillarorientations at a third angle relative to a portion of a surface ofblunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700, e.g., a third abrasive surface740 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 740 of blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700 may comprise a plurality of micropillars havingmicropillar orientations at an 80.0 degree angle relative to a portionof a surface of blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700. Illustratively,a fourth abrasive surface 740 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 740 ofblunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700 may comprise a plurality ofmicropillars having micropillar orientations at a fourth angle relativeto a portion of a surface of blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700,e.g., a fourth abrasive surface 740 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces740 of blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700 may comprise a pluralityof micropillars having micropillar orientations at an 85.0 degree anglerelative to a portion of a surface of blunt-tip membrane removingforceps 700. In one or more embodiments, a fifth abrasive surface 740 ofa plurality of abrasive surfaces 740 of blunt-tip membrane removingforceps 700 may comprise a plurality of micropillars having micropillarorientations at a fifth angle relative to a portion of a surface ofblunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700, e.g., a fifth abrasive surface740 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 740 of blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700 may comprise a plurality of micropillars havingmicropillar orientations at a 90.0 degree angle relative to a portion ofa surface of blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700.

In one or more embodiments, a surgeon may select one or more particularabrasive surfaces 740 from a plurality of abrasive surfaces 740 ofblunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700, e.g., to perform a surgicalprocedure. Illustratively, each particular abrasive surface 740 of aplurality of abrasive surfaces 740 may have one or more uniqueproperties, e.g., each abrasive surface 740 may comprise a plurality ofmicropillars having micropillar orientations at a particular anglerelative to a portion of a surface of blunt-tip membrane removingforceps 700. In one or more embodiments, membrane removing forceps 700may be configured to visually indicate to a surgeon a location of aparticular abrasive surface 740, e.g., a location may be marked toindicate the presence of a particular abrasive surface 740 at thelocation. Illustratively, membrane removing forceps 700 may beconfigured to indicate to visually indicate to a surgeon one or moreunique properties of an abrasive surface 740, e.g., a particularabrasive surface 740 may be marked to indicate one or more uniqueproperties of the particular surface 740. In one or more embodiments, asurgeon may remove a membrane and minimize trauma to an underlyingtissue by selecting an abrasive surface 740 of a blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700, e.g., by manipulating an orientation of blunt-tipmembrane removing forceps 700. Illustratively, a surgeon may select afirst selected abrasive surface 740 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces740 wherein the first selected abrasive surface 740 is configured tominimize an amount of trauma to the underlying tissue, e.g., a surgeonmay select a first selected abrasive surface 740 of a plurality ofabrasive surfaces 740 wherein the first selected abrasive surface 740comprises a plurality of micropillars having micropillar orientations ata first angle relative to a portion of a surface of blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700. In one or more embodiments, a surgeon may maneuvera portion of a first selected abrasive surface 740 across a portion of amembrane, e.g., to perform a first attempt to raise a portion of themembrane. If the first attempt to raise a portion of the membrane isunsuccessful, then the surgeon may select an abrasive surface 740 havinga plurality of micropillars wherein the plurality of micropillars havemicropillar orientations at an angle greater than the first anglerelative to a portion of a surface of blunt-tip membrane removingforceps 700, e.g., by manipulating an orientation of blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700. Illustratively, a surgeon may select a secondselected abrasive surface 740 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 740wherein the second selected abrasive surface 740 is configured tominimize an amount of trauma to the underlying tissue, e.g., a surgeonmay select a second selected abrasive surface 740 of a plurality ofabrasive surfaces 740 wherein the second selected abrasive surface 740comprises a plurality of micropillars having micropillar orientations ata second angle relative to a portion of a surface of blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700. In one or more embodiments, a surgeon may maneuvera portion of a second selected abrasive surface 740 across a portion ofa membrane, e.g., to perform a second attempt to raise a portion of themembrane. If the second attempt to raise a portion of the membrane isunsuccessful, then the surgeon may select an abrasive surface 740 havinga plurality of micropillars wherein the plurality of micropillars havemicropillar orientations at an angle greater than the second anglerelative to a portion of a surface of blunt-tip membrane removingforceps 700, e.g., by manipulating an orientation of blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700. Illustratively, a surgeon may select a thirdselected abrasive surface 740 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 740wherein the third selected abrasive surface 740 is configured tominimize an amount of trauma to the underlying tissue, e.g., a surgeonmay select a third selected abrasive surface 740 of a plurality ofabrasive surfaces 740 wherein the third selected abrasive surface 740comprises a plurality of micropillars having micropillar orientations ata third angle relative to a portion of a surface of blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700. In one or more embodiments, a surgeon may maneuvera portion of a third selected abrasive surface 740 across a portion of amembrane, e.g., to perform a third attempt to raise a portion of themembrane. If the third attempt to raise a portion of the membrane isunsuccessful, then the surgeon may select an abrasive surface 740 havinga plurality of micropillars wherein the plurality of micropillars havemicropillar orientations at an angle greater than the third anglerelative to a portion of a surface of blunt-tip membrane removingforceps 700, e.g., by manipulating an orientation of blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700. Illustratively, a surgeon may select a fourthselected abrasive surface 740 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 740wherein the fourth selected abrasive surface 740 is configured tominimize an amount of trauma to the underlying tissue, e.g., a surgeonmay select a fourth selected abrasive surface 740 of a plurality ofabrasive surfaces 740 wherein the fourth selected abrasive surface 740comprises a plurality of micropillars having micropillar orientations ata fourth angle relative to a portion of a surface of blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700. In one or more embodiments, a surgeon may maneuvera portion of a fourth selected abrasive surface 740 across a portion ofa membrane, e.g., to perform a fourth attempt to raise a portion of themembrane. If the fourth attempt to raise a portion of the membrane isunsuccessful, then the surgeon may select an abrasive surface 740 havinga plurality of micropillars wherein the plurality of micropillars havemicropillar orientations at an angle greater than the fourth anglerelative to a portion of a surface of blunt-tip membrane removingforceps 700, e.g., by manipulating an orientation of blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700. Illustratively, a surgeon may select a fifthselected abrasive surface 740 of a plurality of abrasive surfaces 740wherein the fifth selected abrasive surface 740 is configured tominimize an amount of trauma to the underlying tissue, e.g., a surgeonmay select a fifth selected abrasive surface 740 of a plurality ofabrasive surfaces 740 wherein the fifth selected abrasive surface 740comprises a plurality of micropillars having micropillar orientations ata fifth angle relative to a portion of a surface of blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700. In one or more embodiments, a surgeon may maneuvera portion of a fifth selected abrasive surface 740 across a portion of amembrane, e.g., to perform a fifth attempt to raise a portion of themembrane.

Illustratively, each forceps jaw 710 of a plurality of forceps jaws 710may comprise a forceps jaw distal end 711 and a forceps jaw proximal end712. In one or more embodiments, a first forceps jaw distal end 711 anda second forceps jaw distal end 711 may be separated by a maximumforceps jaw separation distance 715. Illustratively, a maximum forcepsjaw separation distance 715 may be in a range of 0.005 to 0.08 inches,e.g., a maximum forceps jaw separation distance 715 may be 0.04 inches.In one or more embodiments, a maximum forceps jaw separation distance715 may be less than 0.005 inches or greater than 0.08 inches.Illustratively, blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700 may beconfigured to separate a first tissue from a surface of a second tissuewithout damaging the second tissue. For example, blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700 may be configured to separate a first tissue havinga convex surface geometry from a second tissue having a convex surfacegeometry without damaging the second tissue. In one or more embodiments,the first tissue may comprise an internal limiting membrane 650 and thesecond tissue may comprise a retinal tissue 670. Illustratively, amaximum forceps jaw separation distance 715 may be in a range of 200.0to 600.0 times greater than an average thickness of the first tissue,e.g., a maximum forceps jaw separation distance 715 may be 291.0 timesgreater than an average thickness of the first tissue. In one or moreembodiments, a maximum forceps jaw separation distance 715 may be lessthan 200.0 times or greater than 600.0 times greater than an averagethickness of the first tissue. Illustratively, a maximum forceps jawseparation distance 715 may be in a range of 200.0 to 600.0 timesgreater than an average thickness of internal limiting membrane 650,e.g., a maximum forceps jaw separation distance 715 may be 291.0 timesgreater than an average thickness of internal limiting membrane 650. Inone or more embodiments, a maximum forceps jaw separation distance 715may be less than 200.0 times or greater than 600.0 times greater than anaverage thickness of internal limiting membrane 650.

Illustratively, third contour angle 720 may comprise any angle less than90.0 degrees, e.g., third contour angle 720 may comprise any angle in arange of 60.0 to 80.0 degrees. In one or more embodiments, third contourangle 720 may comprise an angle less than 60.0 degrees or greater than80.0 degrees. Illustratively, third contour angle 720 may comprise a70.0 degree angle. In one or more embodiments, fourth contour angle 730may comprise any angle greater than 90.0 degrees, e.g., fourth contourangle 730 may comprise any angle in a range of 95.0 to 120.0 degrees.Illustratively, fourth contour angle 730 may comprise an angle less than95.0 degrees or greater than 120.0 degrees. In one or more embodiments,fourth contour angle 730 may comprise a 110.0 degree angle.

In one or more embodiments, forceps jaws 710 may be configured to closeat forceps jaws distal ends 711 as outer hypodermic tube 170 isgradually actuated over forceps jaws proximal ends 712. Illustratively,an extension of outer hypodermic tube 170 relative to surgical blank 180may be configured to decrease a distance between a first forceps jawdistal end 711 and a second forceps jaw distal end 711. In one or moreembodiments, an extension of outer hypodermic tube 170 over a firstforceps jaw proximal end 712 and a second forceps jaw proximal end 712may be configured to cause the first forceps jaw distal end 711 and thesecond forceps jaw distal end 711 to contact before any other portion ofthe first forceps jaw 710 contacts any other portion of the secondforceps jaw 710.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, and 8F are schematic diagrams illustrating agradual closing of a blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 800. FIG. 8Aillustrates a top view and FIG. 8B illustrates a front view of an openblunt-tip membrane removing forceps 800. In one or more embodiments,blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700 may comprise an open blunt-tipmembrane removing forceps 800, e.g., when a first forceps jaw distal end711 is separated from a second forceps jaw distal end 711 by maximumforceps jaw separation distance 715. Illustratively, blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700 may comprise an open blunt-tip membrane removingforceps 800, e.g., when outer hypodermic tube 170 is fully retractedrelative to forceps jaws proximal ends 712. Illustratively, blunt-tipmembrane removing forceps 700 may comprise an open blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 800, e.g., when handle 110 is fully decompressed.

FIG. 8C illustrates a top view and FIG. 8D illustrates a front view of apartially closed blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 810. In one or moreembodiments, a compression of handle 110 may be configured to graduallyclose a blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700, e.g., from an openblunt-tip membrane removing forceps 800 to a partially closed blunt-tipmembrane removing forceps 810. Illustratively, a compression of handle110 may be configured to extend outer hypodermic tube 170 relative tosurgical blank 180, e.g., a compression of handle 110 may be configuredto extend outer hypodermic tube distal end 171 over forceps jawsproximal ends 712. In one or more embodiments, a compression of handle110 may be configured to decrease a distance between a first forceps jawdistal end 711 and a second forceps jaw distal end 711, e.g., a firstforceps jaw distal end 711 and a second forceps jaw distal end 711 maybe separated by a distance less than maximum forceps jaw separationdistance 715 when blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700 comprises apartially closed blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 810.

FIG. 8E illustrates a top view and FIG. 8F illustrates a front view of afully closed blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 820. Illustratively, acompression of handle 110 may be configured to gradually close ablunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700, e.g., from a partially closedblunt-tip membrane removing forceps 810 to a fully closed blunt-tipmembrane removing forceps 820. In one or more embodiments, a compressionof handle 110 may be configured to extend outer hypodermic tube 170relative to surgical blank 180, e.g., a compression of handle 110 may beconfigured to extend outer hypodermic tube distal end 171 over forcepsjaws proximal ends 712. Illustratively, an extension of outer hypodermictube 170 over forceps jaws proximal ends 712 may be configured to closeforceps jaws 710 wherein forceps jaws 710 initially contact at forcepsjaws distal ends 711. In one or more embodiments, a first forceps jawdistal end 711 may be adjacent to a second forceps jaw distal end 711,e.g., when blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700 comprises a fullyclosed blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 820.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, and 9F are schematic diagrams illustrating agradual opening of a blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700. FIG. 9Aillustrates a top view and FIG. 9B illustrates a front view of a closedblunt-tip membrane removing forceps 900. In one or more embodiments,blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700 may comprise a closed blunt-tipmembrane removing forceps 900, e.g., when a first forceps jaw distal end711 is adjacent to a second forceps jaw distal end 711. Illustratively,blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700 may comprise a closed blunt-tipmembrane removing forceps 900, e.g., when outer hypodermic tube 170 isfully extended over forceps jaws proximal ends 712. Illustratively,blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700 may comprise a closed blunt-tipmembrane removing forceps 900, e.g., when handle 110 is fullycompressed.

FIG. 9C illustrates a top view and FIG. 9D illustrates a front view of apartially open blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 910. In one or moreembodiments, a decompression of handle 110 may be configured togradually open a blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700, e.g., from aclosed blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 900 to a partially openblunt-tip membrane removing forceps 910. Illustratively, a decompressionof handle 110 may be configured to retract outer hypodermic tube 170relative to surgical blank 180, e.g., a decompression of handle 110 maybe configured to retract outer hypodermic tube distal end 171 relativeto forceps jaws proximal ends 712. In one or more embodiments, adecompression of handle 110 may be configured to gradually separateforceps jaws 710. Illustratively, a decompression of handle 110 may beconfigured to separate forceps jaws 710 wherein forceps jaws distal ends711 are the last portions of forceps jaws 710 to separate.

FIG. 9E illustrates a top view and FIG. 9F illustrates a front view of afully open blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 920. Illustratively, adecompression of handle 110 may be configured to gradually open ablunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700, e.g., from a partially openblunt-tip membrane removing forceps 910 to a fully open blunt-tipmembrane removing forceps 920. In one or more embodiments, adecompression of handle 110 may be configured to retract outerhypodermic tube 170 relative to surgical blank 180, e.g., adecompression of handle 110 may be configured to retract outerhypodermic tube distal end 171 relative to forceps jaws proximal ends712. Illustratively, a decompression of handle 110 may be configured togradually separate forceps jaws 710. In one or more embodiments, a firstforceps jaw distal end 711 and a second forceps jaw distal end 711 maybe separated by maximum forceps jaw separation distance 715, e.g., whenblunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700 comprises a fully open blunt-tipmembrane removing forceps 920.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E are schematic diagrams illustrating amembrane removal. FIG. 10A illustrates an attached membrane 1000.Illustratively, an attached membrane 1000 may comprise an internallimiting membrane 650 attached to a retinal tissue 670. In one or moreembodiments, a surgeon may separate internal limiting membrane 650 fromretinal tissue 670 by grasping internal limiting membrane 650 withforceps jaws 710, e.g., without damaging retinal tissue 670.Illustratively, a surgeon may manipulate handle 110 to approach retinaltissue 670 with blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700, e.g., whenblunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700 comprises an open blunt-tipmembrane removing forceps 800. For example, a surgeon may gradually moveforceps jaws distal ends 711 closer to retinal tissue 670 until forcepsjaws distal ends 711 contact internal limiting membrane 650. In one ormore embodiments, a compression of handle 110, e.g., by a surgeon, maybe configured to extend outer hypodermic tube 170 over forceps jawsproximal ends 712. Illustratively, a surgeon may grasp internal limitingmembrane 650 with forceps jaws distal ends 711 and no other portion offorceps jaws 710, e.g., to minimize trauma to an underlying retinaltissue 670.

FIG. 10B illustrates a membrane grazing 1010. In one or moreembodiments, a membrane grazing 1010 may be configured to raise aportion of a membrane, e.g., a membrane grazing 1010 may be configuredto raise a portion of internal limiting membrane 650. Illustratively, amembrane grazing 1010 may comprise a contact between abrasive surface740 and an internal limiting membrane 650. In one or more embodiments,abrasive surface 740 may be configured to grasp a portion of a membrane,e.g., internal limiting membrane 650. Illustratively, abrasive surface740 may be configured to grasp and raise a portion of a membrane, e.g.,internal limiting membrane 650. In one or more embodiments, abrasivesurface 740 may be configured to grasp a portion of internal limitingmembrane 650 and separate the portion of internal limiting membrane 650from a portion of retinal tissue 670. Illustratively, a surgeon maymaneuver a portion of abrasive surface 740 across a portion of amembrane, e.g., a surgeon may maneuver a portion of abrasive surface 740across a portion of internal limiting membrane 650. In one or moreembodiments, as a surgeon maneuvers a portion of abrasive surface 740across a portion of internal limiting membrane 650, the surgeon maygraze the portion of internal limiting membrane 650, e.g., by contactingthe portion of internal limiting membrane 650 with abrasive surface 740.Illustratively, a contact between abrasive surface 740 and a portion ofinternal limiting membrane 650 may be configured to grasp the portion ofinternal limiting membrane 650. In one or more embodiments, a contactbetween abrasive surface 740 and a portion of internal limiting membrane650 may be configured to grasp and raise the portion of internallimiting membrane 650. Illustratively, a surgeon may graze a portion ofinternal limiting membrane 650, e.g., by contacting abrasive surface 740and a portion of internal limiting membrane 650 to grasp the portion ofinternal limiting membrane 650 and then actuating abrasive surface 740relative to internal limiting membrane 650 to raise the portion ofinternal limiting membrane 650.

In one or more embodiments, a portion of forceps jaws distal ends 711may comprise an abrasive surface 740, e.g., a portion of a first forcepsjaw distal end 711 may comprise a first abrasive surface 740 and aportion of a second forceps jaw distal end 711 may comprise a secondabrasive surface 740. Illustratively, a contact between a portion of aforceps jaw distal end 711 and a portion of a membrane may be configuredto grasp the portion of the membrane. In one or more embodiments, acontact between a portion of a forceps jaw distal end 711 and a portionof internal limiting membrane 650 may be configured to grasp the portionof internal limiting membrane 650. Illustratively, a surgeon may contacta portion of internal limiting membrane 650 with forceps jaws distalends 711, e.g., when blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700 comprises afully closed blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 820. In one or moreembodiments, a contact between forceps jaws distal ends 711 and aportion of internal limiting membrane 650 when blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700 comprises a fully closed blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 820 may be configured to grasp the portion of internallimiting membrane 650. Illustratively, after contacting a portion ofinternal limiting membrane 650 with forceps jaws distal ends 711 whenblunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700 comprises a fully closedblunt-tip membrane removing forceps 820, a surgeon may decompress handle110. In one or more embodiments, a decompression of handle 110 may beconfigured to gradually separate forceps jaws distal ends 711.Illustratively, a gradual separation of forceps jaws distal ends 711 maybe configured to raise a portion of internal limiting membrane 650. Inone or more embodiments, a surgeon may perform a membrane grazing 1010by compressing handle 110 wherein blunt-tip membrane removing forceps700 comprises a fully closed blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 820.Illustratively, the surgeon may then contact a portion of a membrane,e.g., an internal limiting membrane 650, with forceps jaws distal ends711. In one or more embodiments, the surgeon may then decompress handle110 to separate forceps jaws distal ends 711 while forceps jaws distalends 711 contact the portion of the membrane. Illustratively, aseparation of forceps jaws distal ends 711 while forceps jaws distalends 711 contact the portion of the membrane may be configured to raisethe portion of the membrane. For example, a separation of forceps jawsdistal ends 711 while forceps jaws distal ends 711 contact a portion ofan internal limiting membrane 650 may be configured to raise the portionof the internal limiting membrane 650.

FIG. 10C illustrates a grasping of a raised portion of a membrane 1020.Illustratively, a surgeon may grasp a portion of a membrane, e.g., araised portion of internal limiting membrane 650, with blunt-tipmembrane removing forceps 700 by compressing handle 110. In one or moreembodiments, a surgeon may grasp a portion of a membrane, e.g., a raisedportion of internal limiting membrane 650, by disposing the portion ofthe membrane in between forceps jaws 710 and compressing handle 110.Illustratively, a surgeon may raise a portion of internal limitingmembrane 650, e.g., by performing a membrane grazing 1010. In one ormore embodiments, a surgeon may grasp the raised portion of internallimiting membrane 650, e.g., by maneuvering forceps jaws 710 wherein theraised portion of internal limiting membrane 650 is disposed betweenforceps jaws distal ends 711. Illustratively, a surgeon may grasp araised portion of internal limiting membrane 650 disposed betweenforceps jaws distal ends 711, e.g., by compressing handle 110.

FIG. 10D illustrates a partially peeled membrane 1030. Illustratively, apartially peeled membrane 1030 may comprise an internal limitingmembrane 650 partially separated from a retinal tissue 670. In one ormore embodiments, a surgeon may raise a portion of a membrane, e.g., aninternal limiting membrane 650, by performing a membrane grazing 1010.Illustratively, a surgeon may grasp a raised portion of a membrane,e.g., an internal limiting membrane 650, by performing a grasping of araised portion of a membrane 1020. In one or more embodiments, a surgeonmay peel a membrane apart from an underlying tissue by grasping themembrane with blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700 and pulling themembrane apart from the underlying tissue. Illustratively, a surgeon maypeel an internal limiting membrane 650 apart from an underlying retinaltissue 670 by grasping internal limiting membrane 650 with blunt-tipmembrane removing forceps 700 and pulling internal limiting membrane 650apart from retinal tissue 670. In one or more embodiments, a surgeon maypeel a membrane apart from an underlying tissue by grasping the membranewith blunt-tip membrane removing forceps 700 and pulling the membraneapart from the underlying tissue until the membrane comprises apartially peeled membrane 1030. Illustratively, a surgeon may peel aninternal limiting membrane 650 apart from an underlying retinal tissue670 by grasping internal limiting membrane 650 with blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700 and pulling internal limiting membrane 650 apartfrom retinal tissue 670 until internal limiting membrane 650 comprises apartially peeled membrane 1030.

FIG. 10E illustrates a fully peeled membrane 1040. Illustratively, afully peeled membrane 1040 may comprise an internal limiting membrane650 completely separated from a retinal tissue 670. In one or moreembodiments, a surgeon may peel a membrane apart from an underlyingtissue by grasping the membrane with blunt-tip membrane removing forceps700 and pulling the membrane apart from the underlying tissue until themembrane comprises a fully peeled membrane 1040. Illustratively, asurgeon may continue to peel a partially peeled membrane 1030 apart froman underlying tissue until the membrane comprises a fully peeledmembrane 1040. In one or more embodiments, a surgeon may peel aninternal limiting membrane 650 apart from an underlying retinal tissue670 by grasping internal limiting membrane 650 with blunt-tip membraneremoving forceps 700 and pulling internal limiting membrane 650 apartfrom retinal tissue 670 until internal limiting membrane 650 comprises afully peeled membrane 1040. Illustratively, a surgeon may continue topeel a partially peeled membrane 1030 apart from retinal tissue 670until internal limiting membrane 650 comprises a fully peeled membrane1040.

The foregoing description has been directed to particular embodiments ofthis invention. It will be apparent; however, that other variations andmodifications may be made to the described embodiments, with theattainment of some or all of their advantages. Specifically, it shouldbe noted that the principles of the present invention may be implementedin any system. Furthermore, while this description has been written interms of a surgical instrument, the teachings of the present inventionare equally suitable to any systems where the functionality may beemployed. Therefore, it is the object of the appended claims to coverall such variations and modifications as come within the true spirit andscope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A membrane removing instrument comprising: ahandle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end; a noseconeconnected to the handle; a hypodermic tube having a hypodermic tubedistal end and a hypodermic tube proximal end wherein the hypodermictube extends out from the nosecone; a piston having a piston distal endand a piston proximal end wherein the piston is disposed in the handleand wherein the piston is configured to extend relative to the handleproximal end and wherein the piston is configured to retract relative tothe handle proximal end; a surgical blank having a surgical blank distalend and a surgical blank proximal end, the surgical blank at leastpartially disposed in the hypodermic tube wherein the surgical blank hasdimensions configured for performing ophthalmic surgical procedures andwherein the surgical blank is manufactured from a metal alloy; a firstabrasive surface of the surgical blank wherein the first abrasivesurface is configured to raise a portion of a membrane; a firstplurality of micropillars of a first micropillar array of the firstabrasive surface wherein each micropillar of the first plurality ofmicropillars has a micropillar height less than 3.0 micrometers; asecond abrasive surface of the surgical blank wherein the secondabrasive surface is configured to raise the portion of the membrane; anda second plurality of micropillars of a second micropillar array of thesecond abrasive surface wherein each micropillar of the second pluralityof micropillars has a micropillar height less than 3.0 micrometers. 2.The membrane removing instrument of claim 1 wherein the membrane is aninternal limiting membrane.
 3. The membrane removing instrument of claim1 wherein the surgical blank is a surgical manipulator.
 4. The membraneremoving instrument of claim 1 wherein each micropillar of the firstplurality of micropillars has a micropillar diameter less than 5.0micrometers.
 5. The membrane removing instrument of claim 4 wherein eachmicropillar of the second plurality of micropillars has a micropillardiameter less than 5.0 micrometers.
 6. The membrane removing instrumentof claim 1 wherein the micropillar height of the first plurality ofmicropillars is greater than 0.25 micrometers.
 7. The membrane removinginstrument of claim 6 wherein the micropillar height of the secondplurality of micropillars is greater than 0.25 micrometers.
 8. Themembrane removing instrument of claim 1 wherein the first plurality ofmicropillars are manufactured by an electric discharge machine.
 9. Themembrane removing instrument of claim 1 wherein each micropillar of thefirst plurality of micropillars is oriented normal to a surface of thesurgical blank.
 10. The membrane removing instrument of claim 1 whereineach micropillar of the first plurality of micropillars is oriented atan angle in a range of 60.0 to 89.0 degrees relative to a surface of thesurgical blank.
 11. A membrane removing instrument comprising: a handlehaving a handle distal end and a handle proximal end; a noseconeconnected to the handle; a hypodermic tube having a hypodermic tubedistal end and a hypodermic tube proximal end wherein the hypodermictube extends out from the nosecone; a piston having a piston distal endand a piston proximal end wherein the piston is disposed in the handleand wherein the piston is configured to extend relative to the handleproximal end and wherein the piston is configured to retract relative tothe handle proximal end; a surgical blank having a surgical blank distalend and a surgical blank proximal end, the surgical blank at leastpartially disposed in the hypodermic tube wherein the surgical blank hasdimensions configured for performing ophthalmic surgical procedures andwherein the surgical blank is manufactured from a metal alloy; a firstabrasive surface of the surgical blank wherein the first abrasivesurface is configured to raise a portion of a membrane; a firstplurality of micropillars of a first micropillar array of the firstabrasive surface wherein each micropillar of the first plurality ofmicropillars has a micropillar height in a range of 0.25 to 3.0micrometers and wherein each micropillar of the first plurality ofmicropillars has a micropillar diameter less than 5.0 micrometers; asecond abrasive surface of the surgical blank wherein the secondabrasive surface is configured to raise the portion of the membrane; anda second plurality of micropillars of a second micropillar array of thesecond abrasive surface wherein each micropillar of the second pluralityof micropillars has a micropillar height less than 3.0 micrometers. 12.The membrane removing instrument of claim 11 wherein the membrane is aninternal limiting membrane.
 13. The membrane removing instrument ofclaim 11 wherein the surgical blank is a surgical manipulator.
 14. Themembrane removing instrument of claim 11 wherein each micropillar of thesecond plurality of micropillars has a micropillar diameter less than5.0 micrometers.
 15. The membrane removing instrument of claim 11wherein the micropillar height of the second plurality of micropillarsis greater than 0.25 micrometers.
 16. The membrane removing instrumentof claim 11 wherein the first plurality of micropillars are manufacturedby an electric discharge machine.
 17. The membrane removing instrumentof claim 11 wherein each micropillar of the first plurality ofmicropillars is oriented normal to a surface of the surgical blank. 18.The membrane removing instrument of claim 11 wherein each micropillar ofthe second plurality of micropillars is oriented normal to a surface ofthe surgical blank.
 19. The membrane removing instrument of claim 11wherein each micropillar of the first plurality of micropillars isoriented at an angle in a range of 60.0 to 89.0 degrees relative to asurface of the surgical blank.
 20. The membrane removing instrument ofclaim 11 wherein each micropillar of the second plurality ofmicropillars is oriented at an angle in a range of 60.0 to 89.0 degreesrelative to a surface of the surgical blank.